In 1903, the Kishinev Pogrom convinced a young Ze’ev Jabotinsky that Jews could never rely on others for protection. From underground militias in Russia to the WWI Jewish Legion, he preached strength over diplomacy, and warned of looming catastrophe in Europe. Branded a radical by rivals yet revered as a visionary by followers, Jabotinsky’s “Iron Wall” doctrine became the foundation of Jewish self-defense. His legacy endures today in Israel’s very identity — unyielding, defiant, and built to last.
Big Ideas
- Jewish self-defense and military strength were central to Jabotinsky’s Zionist philosophy.
- Jabotinsky believed that peaceful coexistence could only be achieved once Jewish permanence in the land of Israel was undeniable.
- His ideas, once considered extreme, later proved influential and prophetic, shaping the foundation of Israel’s political and military identity.
Essential Questions
- To what extent can violence or strength be justified as a path to peace or survival?
- How did Ze’ev Jabotinsky’s response to antisemitic violence shape his views on Zionism and self-defense?
- What role does realism versus idealism play in shaping national movements like Zionism?
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