Religion, Nationalism, and Borders

 In the contemporary Western world, identity has become a suspicious concept. Nationalism is almost automatically perceived as dangerous, borders as a moral problem, and belonging as something to be dismantled. In this climate, Judaism and Zionism sometimes appear as uncomfortable remnants of an old world. But Judaism does not apologize for its identity. Nor does it see it as a threat.

Judaism was born as a people, not only as a religion. It combines faith, law, culture, and historical memory. This identity is not the result of modern ideology, but of continuous existence. It does not seek to abolish other identities, but to preserve its own. This is a fundamental difference.

Jewish nationalism is not based on superiority, but on responsibility. The idea of the covenant does not grant privileges, but imposes duties. It does not promise success, but demands loyalty to values—even when they are difficult. In this sense, Jewish identity is more demanding than most modern identities.

Borders, in Jewish tradition, are not an expression of fear but of framework. They enable shared life without total blurring. Without borders, there is no responsibility. Without identity, there is no commitment. Judaism sees no contradiction between universality and the value of identity. On the contrary: it assumes that only those who know who they are can truly respect those who are not.

The demand that Judaism be ashamed of its identity sometimes stems from a double standard. Other identities receive legitimacy as long as they are perceived as weak. Sovereign Jewish identity, however, is seen as problematic. Here again the discomfort with the idea that Jews are not only a moral minority, but a people with power and responsibility is revealed.

Zionism is not a moral exception. It is an expression of the same principle the West accepts when it appears among others: the right to self-determination. Denying this right to Jews in the name of universal values is not universality—it is discrimination.

Judaism does not apologize for its borders. It does not demand that everyone become Jewish, nor does it pretend to represent all humanity. It seeks a space in which identity can exist without disintegrating. In a world that struggles to contain stable identity, this is a challenging but necessary message.