Socialist Zionism: Theory and Issues in Contemporary Jewish Nationalism

In this original interweaving of Marxist theory and basic labor Zionist ideology, Allon Gal presents a lucid and fully documented argument that, for the Jew, true and progressive socialism must inevitably be linked with Jewish nationalism. Not an international conspiracy nor a mystical phenomenon,

Gal's Socialist-Zionism is the only practical solution for Jews—the only way in which they can leave the class struggles of the diaspora and be free to promote the democratic, egalitarian, and progressive ideals fundamental both to Zionism and Marxism.

Rejecting claims that Zionism is an exclusivist or expansionist movement, Gal emphasizes its fundamentally progressive aspects from its earliest days (such as the role of labor Zionism, the kibbutz movement, the advancement of women's rights, and social welfare). Thus he shows how the industrial, occupational, and class features of the Israeli economy make it possible for Jews to make the greatest practical strides in advancing the progressive ideas that are the foundations of socialism as well as Zionism.