History of Israel and Zionism
What is the Jewish national movement that sought to establish a homeland after 2000 years in exile?
Zionism
What were the main values of the kibbutz?
Equality, collective labor, community, gender equality, self-sufficiency
In The Way of the Wind, what does the father symbolize?
The first generation’s harsh ideology and emotional restraint
According to Jewish tradition, who determines if a person is Jewish?
The mother (matrilineal descent)
What happened on October 7, 2023?
Hamas launched a surprise attack on southern Israel, firing thousands of rockets, infiltrating border communities, killing civilians, and taking hostages.
Who was the founder of political Zionism and led the First Zionist Congress in 1897?
Theodor Herzl
Name one advantage and one challenge of kibbutz life.
Advantage: community and shared purpose. Challenge: lack of privacy and rigid lifestyle
What does the dog’s death represent?
Ideology overpowering compassion and human emotion
Why is marriage in Israel problematic?
There’s no civil marriage—only religious marriage is recognized
What organization carried out the attack?
Hamas carried out “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood,” involving rockets, paragliders, vehicles, and infiltrations.
What European scandal convinced Herzl that Jews needed their own state?
The Dreyfus Affair
What social and political issues are criticized in Sallah Shabati?
Bureaucracy, hypocrisy, and discrimination toward Mizrahi immigrants
In Past Continuous, what shift in Israeli society does the novel describe?
The fall of socialism and rise of individualism
Who are the ultra-religious, and how do they influence Israeli laws?
They strictly observe Jewish law and use their political power to shape national laws (e.g., no public transport on Shabbat)
What is Hamas’s stated goal toward the Jewish people?
Hamas has called for the eradication of Jews in the region, not just opposition to the Israeli stat
What form of Zionism combined socialist ideals with Jewish nationalism?
Labor (Social) Zionism
Why did the first generation of pioneers need to be so extreme?
Their discipline and sacrifice were necessary to build and defend the new state
How do characters in Past Continuous escape the rigid ideology?
Through art, music, and self-expression (like the organ player)
What’s the main difference between Arab Israelis and Palestinians?
Arab Israelis are citizens of Israel; Palestinians generally are not
How did Israeli society respond to the attacks?
Through national unity, mobilization of reservists, mutual aid, and community solidarity; friendship and local support were crucial to survival in attacked communities.
Name three historical causes that inspired the rise of Zionism in the late 19th century.
Antisemitism, pogroms/massacres in Eastern Europe, and the rise of European nationalism
How did later generations respond to the ideals of the first?
They rebelled against the rigidity and sought personal freedom and individuality
Why is Past Continuous considered a masterpiece?
It captures the decline of collective ideals and the search for meaning in modern Israel
Why does tension exist between secular and religious Israelis?
Religious groups impose laws and restrictions on the secular majority
Name three major wars or conflicts between Israel and neighboring countries, and briefly explain the significance of each.
1948 War of Independence: Israel declared statehood, fought surrounding Arab nations.
→ 1967 Six-Day War: Israel captured territories including Gaza, West Bank, Golan Heights.
→ 1973 Yom Kippur War: Surprise attack by Egypt and Syria; Israel mobilized to defend borders.