How Albert Einstein started out as a Zionist but ended up opposing the Israeli occupation of Palestine

Arguably the most renowned scientists in history, Albert Einstein had a complex and evolving relationship with Zionism and the state of Israel. His journey from early reservations about a Jewish state to strong opposition to certain actions of Zionist groups and the occupation of Palestine is a testament to his deep ethical convictions and pacifist principles.

Anti-nationalist

In the early 20th century, Einstein initially expressed skepticism about the idea of a Jewish state with borders, an army, and a measure of temporal power. His resistance to the concept of a Jewish state was rooted in his disdain for nationalism. 

Having witnessed the devastating impact of World War I, which claimed the lives of millions, he was deeply disillusioned by the destructive forces of nationalism that had fueled the conflict. 

In a speech to labor leaders, he articulated his concerns, noting his resistance to the idea "of a Jewish state with borders, an army, and a measure of temporal power, no matter how modest." Einstein feared the "narrow nationalism" that he believed would accompany such a state.

On Palestinian Arabs

Einstein acknowledged the Arab population living in Palestine as "kinfolk" and expressed concerns that the creation of a Jewish state on Arab land would inevitably lead to decades of hostility and conflict. 

In a letter to a colleague, the physicist Paul Ehrenfest, he cautioned that runaway Jewish nationalism "threatens to degenerate into hostility and bigotry."

Einstein's vision was one of internationalism, where cooperation and understanding among nations could pave the way for a more just and peaceful world.

Zionist beliefs

However, as the 20th century unfolded, and he witnessed the increasing persecution of Jews in Europe and elsewhere, Einstein began to reconsider his stance on Zionism. The rise of anti-Semitism and the horrors of the Holocaust left an indelible mark on him, and he saw the need for a safe haven for Jewish people.

 It was during this period that he started to support the idea of a Jewish homeland.

ALSO READ: What is anti-Zionism, and how is it different from anti-semitism?

Criticism

Nonetheless, Einstein’s support for the Zionist cause was not without reservations. 

He remained critical of extremist and violent elements within the Zionist movement and was particularly appalled by the violence and atrocities committed during the lead-up to the establishment of Israel, such as the Deir Yassin massacre. 

• In the infamous incident, around 120 militants from Menachem Begin's Irgun and the Stern Gang entered the Palestinian village of Deir Yassin, resulting in the brutal killing of between 100 and 250 men, women, and children. 
• Reports included deaths from gunshots, hand grenades thrown into homes, and even grotesque parades through West Jerusalem. There were also accounts of rape, torture, and mutilation.

ALSO READ: An anime series called Attack on Titan has spooky parallels with the Israel-Palestine conflict

Opposition

Einstein's opposition to such acts of violence was unwavering. 

In 1948, he, along with other Jewish academics, sent a letter to the New York Times to protest against a visit to America by Menachem Begin. 

In this letter, they condemned Begin's Herut (Freedom) party, likening it to "a political party closely akin in its organization, methods, political philosophy, and social appeal to the Nazi and Fascist parties." Einstein's strong denunciation of Herut and similar groups reflected his rejection of extremism.

• The Herut party went on to evolve into the Likud (Consolidation) party - the far-right conservative party that current Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu belongs to.

Declining the presidency

The violence and bloodshed that marred the path to Israel's birth deeply disturbed the Nobel laureate, and this was undoubtedly a significant factor in his decision to decline an offer from Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion in 1952. 

Ben-Gurion had proposed that Einstein become the president of Israel after the death of its first president, Chaim Weizmann. However, Einstein's rejection of this offer was grounded in his belief that he would have to "tell the Israeli people things they would not like to hear." 

The bottom line

Einstein's stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains a compelling example of the ethical and humanitarian dimensions of the issue. He recognized the suffering of the Palestinian people and the need for a just and peaceful resolution. 

His strong opposition to violence and extremism, coupled with his support for the idea of a Jewish homeland, underscores the complexity and moral dilemmas surrounding the historical and political context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

In retrospect, it is evident that Einstein's journey from initial skepticism about a Jewish state to his principled opposition to Zionist actions was a reflection of his unwavering commitment to pacifism and his profound ethical convictions.

His legacy reminds us of the importance of ethics and humanity in the pursuit of political objectives, even in the face of deeply complex and emotionally charged conflicts.