Israel must be more than just the nation-state of the Jewish people

This piece from the Jerusalem Post delves into a profound question for Israel's identity: must it be solely the nation-state of the Jewish people, or can it embody something grander – a civilization? The authors propose that Israel, much like China is described as a "civilization pretending to be a country," is a manifestation of a deep, ancient civilizational lineage. This idea, supported by sociologist S.N. Eisenstadt, reframes Israel not just as a security guarantor for Jews, but as a potential center for the renewal and evolution of Jewish civilization in the modern world. This civilizational conception is crucial for rebuilding trust between Israel and Diaspora Jews, a bond that has weakened over time. It also offers a new lens through which Israel can be understood within the Middle East, moving beyond the often-assigned role of an alien, European-derived entity. The article revisits early Zionist debates, contrasting the pragmatic need for a refuge championed by figures like Ben-Gurion and Jabotinsky with a broader vision of Jewish civilization. This perspective is particularly relevant given the global nature of Jewish identity, where Israel serves as a cultural and symbolic anchor for communities worldwide, echoing Daniel J. Elazar's vision of a World Jewish Community. By embracing this civilizational identity, Israel can strengthen its unique position and foster a more robust connection with its global diaspora.