In 1882, the Russian scientist Leon Pinsker challenged the Jews to reclaim their own destiny and build a society in the land of Israel. Where Theodor Herzl later thought that the Jews needed recognition from world leaders to do that, Pinsker thought that the Jews of the diaspora should start by picking up and relocating on their own. To him the solution to the Jewish question was to build something new—without asking permission. Both ways, diplomacy and boldness, are needed—but which are needed when? That’s a question worthy of close attention and study right now.
To explore that question, and to think about what Pinsker’s Zionist legacy can offer today, we’ve invited the author of our May essay on Pinsker, Aaron Schimmel, to talk with the Israeli historian Daniel Polisar and the former Israeli MK Einat Wilf. Their conversation will take place on Wednesday, May 24, at noon Eastern time via Zoom.
How to join:
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