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why are majority of Zionist jews atheist?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as different Zionist Jews may have different reasons for being atheist or agnostic. However, some possible factors are:

- Zionism was a secular, nationalistic movement; many of its key advocates were atheists. These are the people who came up with the first detailed plan to colonise Palestine by expelling the indigenous Palestinian population and by delegitimating and marginalising them in their own country. ³
- Many Zionist Jews were influenced by the Enlightenment and the scientific revolution, which challenged the traditional religious authority and dogma. They sought to create a modern, rational, and progressive Jewish state that would not be bound by the laws and rituals of Orthodox Judaism. ¹²
- Many Zionist Jews faced persecution, discrimination, and violence from anti-Semitic forces in Europe and elsewhere. They may have lost faith in God or questioned the meaning and purpose of their suffering. They may have also rejected the idea of a divine promise or covenant that gave them the right to the land of Israel. ¹²
- Many Zionist Jews live in Israel, a country where religion has an outsized role in politics, education, and society. They may resent the influence and power of the Orthodox Jewish establishment, which imposes strict rules and regulations on many aspects of life, such as marriage, divorce, conversion, and burial. They may also disagree with the religious justification for the occupation and oppression of the Palestinians. ⁴
- Many Zionist Jews are part of the broader Jewish culture and identity, which encompasses not only religion, but also ethnicity, history, language, literature, art, music, and cuisine. They may feel connected to their Jewish heritage and traditions, but not to the belief in God or the practice of Judaism. They may also embrace the diversity and pluralism of the Jewish people, which includes secular, humanistic, and non-theistic expressions of Jewishness. ¹²⁵

Source: Conversation with Bing, 14/02/2024
(1) The moral case against Zionism - ABC Religion & Ethics. https://www.abc.net.au/religion/the-moral-case-against-zionism/11869400.
(2) Jewish atheism - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_atheism.
(3) List of Jewish atheists and agnostics - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Jewish_atheists_and_agnostics.
(4) Religion has outsized role in Israel, yet most of its Jews aren't .... https://www.timesofisrael.com/religion-has-outsized-role-in-israel-yet-most-of-its-jews-arent-really-observant/.
(5) About half of Jews are atheists - why it is so and why they are Jews .... https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/about-half-of-jews-are-atheists-why-it-is-so-and-why-they-are-jews/.


last updated february 2024