Preliminary ideas:
I am interested in exploring the creation of a Jewish national home in the figurative i.e. the development of an early Israeli national consciousness and its manifestation in cultural production (literature and film). The extent to which the themes of exile, return and “liberation” are evident in the literary and cinematic output of the yishuv and of the newly established Israel (also, early pioneer songs). Is there a shift or a distinction following the actualization of a Jewish state? How was the Zionist movement able to form a relatively homogenized cultural sensibility out of the disparate cultural positions of diaspora Jews? How was this disparity consolidated into a new singularly Israeli identity? Links to idea of “New Jew.” Reference Zionist thinkers and their views on the role of culture and the position of Zionism within the context of colonialism (cultural superiority).
How to narrow it down to a specific and answerable research question? Ugh, this will never not be a problem for me.
Filed under: Historical, Political | Tags: historical, zionism, zionist highlights, zionists gonna zionate
Israeli stamps
“Palestine is our unforgettable historic homeland. The very name would be a marvelously effective rallying cry. If His Majesty the Sultan were to give us Palestine, we could in turn undertake the complete management of the finances of Turkey. We should there form a part of a wall of defense for Europe in Asia, an outpost of civilization against barbarism.” — Theodor Herzl in The Jewish State (1896)
Dear Ottoman Sultan,
Give us a state. We will give you financial services in return (because Jews are good at that sort of thing idk I am not well-known for my logic) and protect you from barbarian Asians.
Love,
Herzl
