One thing you mentioned a couple of times in this thread was that our idea of zionism was quite different from what it actually is. Can you explain what zionism means to you?
So what Zionists are really about? For me Zionists are a different form of tahrik e Taliban and BNP.
Having or giving the Jews a homeland is a rigtheous cause. But that concpet of Zionism died when Israel was created. Pretty words mean very little when they aren't backed up by concrete actions. There is a huge discrepency in what Zionists say and their actions.
For one the concept of Greater Israel. Second the settlements. The third take the homes of existing Palestinians and converting them to Israeli settlements. These are all proponents of the modern Zionist idealogy. One that is supported by AIPAC, BB and the Israeli government.
Hardly righteous endeavours.
I hope to answer to all of you.
The basic idea of Zionism is restoration of the independent Jewish state in the historical homeland of the Jewish people. This is the only essential element of Zionism. Anything else is superficial and not defining.
Zionism did not die with creation of Israel, but was partially realized. Why partially? Because establishment of a state takes a little more than a simple declaration. The state should also be recognized by its neighbors and live in peace with them. It is hardly a normal situation, when a state has armistice lines instead of national borders. It was the situation with Israel from the moment of its creation till 1979, when the first piece of the national border was established (with Egypt). And mind you, this situation was not Israel's fault or intention.
As you know any good idea can be perverted and driven to absurd. The right-wing extremists among Zionists is a case to the point. But saying that you hate Zionists, because of them is like saying that you hate Muslims because of Taliban, or you hate socialists because of Stalin.
Since settlements seems to be quite a big issue, I should say that only a very small part of Israelis or Zionists support the settlement movement out of truly ideological conviction. A large part is simply against it, but for the majority of those who do not object it or even support it the reason boils down to a simple formula "if they don't wish to compromise, why should we?".
Just a few more points. "The Greater Israel" is a completely bizarre idea, which nobody takes seriously these days.
Taking the homes of Palestinians and converting them into settlements was never a part of Zionist ideology, modern or otherwise. There are, however, other things, which are not a part of any ideology, but rather a part of the conflict realities. There are, for example, demolitions of houses of terrorists or houses used to launch a terrorist attack (as a deterrence measure). Or, there has been a slogan "We will respond to every terrorist act with establishment of a new settlement". Palestinians usually respond with another attack, to which Israel responds with another settlement, to which Palestinians respond with an attack, to which Israel responds... You get the picture.