The Myths of Zionism
by John Rose      London:  Pluto Press, 2004.  Paperback. Pp. 232

Reviewed by Dr. Susan K. Hedahl

In reading this work, I found myself taking copious notes.  John Rose is a teacher of sociology in Great Britain and has produced an excellent work on a topic which daily fuels global politics and human tragedies.   Rose makes it clear in the introduction to the work that “My main concern has been only to demolish Zionism’s mythical history.” (6)

A scan of the Table of Contents will show the primary topics, some taken from various quoted sources, depict the issues around which Zionism has constructed itself:  “1 ‘The Bible is our Mandate;’  2 ‘The Distinguishing Characteristic of the Jews has been their Exile;’ 8 ‘The Nazi Holocaust Proved the Urgency for a Jewish State…’.” (vii)

Rose’s historical, religious and political knowledge is formidable.  He brings them to bear on the historical developments of Zionism and in critiquing its contemporary consequences.  Quotes such as the following are cogently demonstrated in Rose’s use of sources:  “Zionism is not the same as Nazism.  It did not have an exterminationist intention at its core, though, as we shall see Zionism had been, and is, capable of genocidal outbursts,  But Zionism is rooted in the traditions of European imperialism.  That truth alone is sufficient to serve urgent warnings about the implications of Zionism’s ruthless colonial ambitions in Palestine.” (143)

Rose also notes many Jewish voices raised against the premise of Zionism.  In looking at the politically manipulated approach to the Bible which Ben Gurion used, Rose says:  “Two very accomplished Jewish religious philosophers, Martin Buber and Yeshayahu Leibowitz, who called themselves Zionists, were nevertheless appalled at the way they saw Ben-Gurion manipulating the Jewish religion for narrow political ends.” (12)

Rose’s work raises voices and perspectives generally overlooked.  He examines the role which biblical archeology has played in de-bunking or advocating Zionism’s claims to the land.  Written testimony over the decades from many parts of the globe is quoted to demonstrate that many Jews have been opposed to Zionism and have fought hard for their ‘place’ in other countries.   The discussion of both Europe and America’s roles in promoting Zionism over the last 150 years is insightful, well-documented and depressing.  Israel’s current status as a client state of America cannot be disputed based on Rose’s documentation.

This work is not ‘anti-semitic’ in any sense of the word.  It is, however, a concise and forceful analysis of how a political ideology has combined elements of biblical theology, politics, racism and sociology to produce a virulent perspective which has imprisoned both the Palestinians and the Jews.

Rose’s work is a ‘must’ for any person of faith who wishes to sort out the elements of what contemporary Zionism is about.