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🇮🇱 Israel /Culture & Society

Why I’m Still a Zionist 25 Years Later – Opinion

From Jerusalem Post · (6m ago) English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The author, Gil Troy, reaffirms his Zionist identity 25 years after first articulating it in an essay.
  • He reflects on the historical context of rising antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment that motivated his initial stance.
  • Troy argues for a proactive and proud embrace of Zionism, countering what he sees as defensive or apathetic responses within the Jewish community.

Twenty-five years ago, I felt compelled to write an essay explaining 'Why I am a Zionist.' Today, as I approach Israel's Independence Day 2026, the need to articulate this position feels even more urgent, perhaps even more so than during the intense period of Palestinian suicide bombings and terrorist murders that marked the turn of the millennium. The world, it seems, has once again grown hostile to Israel and to Jewish identity, with the "Z-word" often treated as a slur and a pervasive atmosphere of criticism that feels all too familiar.

Back then, I was a tenured professor of American history at McGill University, yet I felt a profound sense of betrayal. Betrayal by fellow Jews who were either too distracted or too apologetic, and by academics who mindlessly echoed simplistic anti-Israel slogans. I was disappointed by Canadians who, in their reverence for the UN, overlooked its bias against the Jewish state, and by Americans seemingly preoccupied with pop culture while ignoring injustices faced by Jews. This widespread apathy and hostility fueled my contrarian instincts, pushing me to reclaim and defend Zionism.

I am a Zionist because I am a Jew – and without recognizing Judaism’s national component, I cannot explain its unique character… I am a Zionist because I share the past, present, and future of my people, the Jewish people. Our nerve endings are uniquely intertwined… I am a Zionist because I know my history…

— Gil TroyExplaining his personal connection to Zionism and Jewish identity.

My approach then, and now, is not to dwell on Jew-hatred or demonization, nor to attack Palestinians. Instead, I draw inspiration from figures like Edmond Fleg, who celebrated his Jewishness through affirmative statements. My Zionism is rooted in a deep connection to Jewish history, culture, and the shared destiny of the Jewish people. It is a nationalism that recognizes the unique intertwining of our collective nerve endings and our shared past, present, and future. In a world that often demands defensiveness, I choose to stand proudly, to embrace my identity, and to affirm the enduring significance of Zionism.

No nationalism

— Gil TroyBeginning a sentence about nationalism in his essay.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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