To help understanding, I turned to Google
"Zionism was originally a minority political belief within Jewish communities when it emerged in the late 19th century. While the idea of a spiritual return to Zion (Jerusalem) has been central to Judaism for centuries, the modern political movement to establish a secular Jewish state in Palestine faced significant opposition or indifference from a majority of Jews, particularly in Western Europe and the United States, who largely favored assimilation, as well as from many Orthodox groups who viewed it as a theological violation. Origins as a Minority Movement Late 19th-Century Context: Emerging in response to intense antisemitism in Europe (specifically Russian pogroms), Zionism was initially a minority movement of intellectuals and Eastern European "Lovers of Zion" (Ḥovevei Ẕiyyon).Opposing Views: Before the 1930s, many Jewish groups were actively anti-Zionist, promoting alternative solutions to persecution, such as socialist integration or cultural autonomy in their home countries.Early 20th Century: Prior to World War I, Zionism was largely supported by a minority, mainly consisting of activists from Russia and led by Central Europeans. Shift to DominanceZionism gained momentum as a dominant force over the next few decades due to several factors: Antisemitism & Rising Violence: Escalating anti-Semitic violence in Germany, Russia, and Eastern Europe made the Zionist goal of a safe haven more appealing.The Holocaust: The Nazi genocide destroyed the centers of European Jewish life, causing a radical shift in Jewish public opinion toward the necessity of an independent state.British Support: The 1917 Balfour Declaration, where Britain expressed support for a "national home for the Jewish people," gave the movement significant international legitimacy. Evolution of the MovementEven as late as 1939, while the Jewish population in Palestine was growing, Zionist supporters were still a minority of the world's total Jewish population. The transformation from a fringe movement into a mainstream Jewish belief took place gradually, accelerated dramatically by the Holocaust and the subsequent establishment of Israel in 1948."
David Ainsworth ● 34d3 Comments