The Zionist Idea

FAIN: TD-50014-08

New York Foundation for the Arts, Inc. (Brooklyn, NY 11201-8301)
Oren D. Rudavsky (Project Director: January 2008 to August 2009)

Development of a two-hour documentary exploring the modern ideology of Zionism, an accompanying website, a study guide, and a companion book.

The Zionist Idea is a 120-minute documentary film exploration of one of the most influential political ideologies of the modern era. Originating in Europe in the late 19th century, Modern Zionism was born out of the renewed fears and persecution of Jews throughout Europe. Hoping that a land of their own would bring normalcy and safety to Jews and acceptance in the world, Zionist pioneers helped create the State of Israel. And yet Zionism has been, since its inception, subject to fierce argument and often lethal controversy. Today Zionism is little understood and its meaning often distorted. Now more than ever as the Middle East plays a central role in world politics and as the conflict between Arab and Jew continues to threaten the entire region, it is crucial for Americans to better understand Zionism, both its history and its signficance. .