As Israel faces increasing scrutiny for its military actions in Gaza, Holocaust historian Omer Bartov offers a critical examination of Zionism's transformation and its implications for the current conflict. In his newly published book, Israel: What Went Wrong?, Bartov argues that the nation has veered away from its founding ideals, adopting a stance of settler colonialism and ethno-nationalism. This comprehensive guide covers what went wrong in israel? a genocide scholar examines ‘what zionism became’ in detail.
Understanding What Went Wrong In Israel? A Genocide Scholar Examines ‘what Zionism Became’
Reflecting on a pivotal moment in Israeli politics, former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon once quoted a popular song to explain his decision to withdraw from Gaza in 2005: "What you can see from there, you can't see from here." This line has since become emblematic of the changing perspectives within Israeli society. Bartov, who has lived in the United States for over thirty years, echoes Sharon's sentiment to illustrate how distance can alter one's understanding of events. He contends that viewing the ongoing violence in Gaza from afar has allowed him to recognize it as genocide. Originally reported by The Guardian.
In a July 2025 essay published in the New York Times, Bartov boldly declared, "I'm a Genocide Scholar. I Know It When I See It." His assertion has not only sparked considerable debate but has also cost him personal Relationships, a testament to the contentious nature of the topic. He argues that the indifference towards Palestinian suffering has become commonplace within Israeli society, a reality he attempts to unpack in his latest book.
The Transformation of Israeli Identity
Bartov's work provides a historical narrative on how Israel evolved from a nation founded on principles of equality and justice into one characterized by discrimination and violence. The founding document of Israel promised "complete equality of social and political rights to all its citizens irrespective of religion, race or sex." However, Bartov believes that the post-1948 reality has diverged significantly from this vision.
He posits that Israel's identity has shifted fundamentally since its declaration of independence, particularly in its treatment of Palestinian citizens and its lack of efforts toward reconciliation with those it displaced. "When the state decides that it's not going to be a normal state," he explains, "its nature changes." This shift, he argues, has led to a political landscape where the rights of Palestinians are systematically denied.
Exploring the Roots of Modern Zionism
Having grown up in a Zionist household-with parents who fought in the 1948 war-Bartov's connection to Israel is deeply personal. He served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and later pursued a doctorate in history at Oxford, becoming a respected scholar on genocide. His extensive research on World War II and the Holocaust informs his critique of contemporary Israeli politics, which he views as an exploitation of historical trauma for political gain.
In his book, Bartov critiques how the memory of the Holocaust has been utilized to justify actions that contradict the very principles of liberation and self-determination that Zionism originally espoused. "The memory of the Shoah has become a vast fig leaf," he writes, merging self-victimization with a sense of entitlement and hubris among those in power.
Revisiting the Ideals of Zionism
Bartov's perspective on Zionism is nuanced. While he identifies the movement as one that historically aimed to liberate a persecuted minority, he asserts that its modern incarnation has strayed far from these roots. He maintains that he is not anti-Zionist but opposes the current manifestation of Zionism in Israel, which he believes infringes on the rights of others.
His views, however, may not satisfy all critics of Israeli policy. Some argue that they fail to address the full scope of Palestinian suffering or the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Nonetheless, Bartov's insights aim to spark a deeper understanding of how the memory of past atrocities can shape national identity and policy.
As Israel continues to grapple with its past and present actions, Bartov's work serves as a critical lens through which to examine the implications of its evolving identity. His call for reflection on the past could be crucial for fostering a more equitable future in the region.
Originally reported by The Guardian. View original.