Obama's Lesson in Zionism
During his visit to Israel, President Barack Obama reminded the world of the values of liberation and self-determination on which Zionism is based, writes Einat Wilf.
Thanks to President Barack Obama, Zionism is back.
Much was made in the international media of Obama's appeal to the Israelis to pursue peace, especially in his address to the students. But perhaps the greater significance of the president's visit is that the entire trip, as well as his appeal to peace, constituted an intensive course in Zionism 101.
At a time when the Turkish prime minister calls Zionism “a crime against humanity” and The New York Times provides a platform for undermining it, the liberal Obama reminded the world of Zionism's foundations and nature as a movement of liberation and self-determination.
He did so in words. He did so in gestures.
