The Zionism-Lite Principles

By @ZionismLite, August 28, 2024

Introduction

Zionism-List is a set of principles that can be adopted by organizations who advocate on behalf of Palestinians. They are designed to increase the advocacy effectiveness of organizations by keeping the end goal in mind, improving alignment across organizations, gaining mainstream support, and reducing distractions.

The name of these principles is designed to make it crystal clear where Pro-Palestinian groups who adopt this stand.

What are the Principles?

Zionism-lite at its core advocates for a fair two-state solution consisting of both a State of Israel and the State of Palestine routed in a deep empathy for all involved. It embraces non-violence and pragmatism. And it strongly advocates for targeted BDS against the occupation, settlements and to bring about the end of the war in Gaza.

Specifically, Zionism-lite advocates for:

• Two-State Solution: Advocates for a two-state solution based on the 1967 armistice lines with agreed-upon land swaps.
• Israel as a Jewish state: Recognizes Israel as a Jewish state within the context of a two-state solution, but this recognition of Israel's Jewish character does not license discrimination against its non-Jewish Arab citizens. This position is consistent with the view of Mansour Abbas, a prominent Israeli Arab political leader.
• Right of Return: Recognizes the Palestinian right of return as outlined in UN Resolution 194, but advocates for compensation-in-lieu for the majority of those displaced in the context of a two-state solution.
• Opposes attacks on Civilians: Disavows any violence directed towards civilians, instead advocates for non-violent and political means.
• Jerusalem as a Capital for Two States: Supports Jerusalem as the capital of both states in a two-state solution, ensuring access to religious and cultural institutions for all.
• Stand against Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia: We are firmly against discrimination in all forms. We especially we stand against anti-Semitism and Islamophobia as they complicate our goal of achieving a two-state solution.
• Opposition to Occupation & Israeli settlements: Deems the occupation, and resulting Israeli settlements, beyond the 1967 armistice lines illegal, as affirmed by the International Court of Justice in July 2024. While advocating for the end of the occupation, Zionism-Lite recognizes that land swaps could allow many settlers to remain in place.
• Opposition to the Gaza War: Strongly opposes the war in Gaza due to humanitarian and international law concerns.
• Pragmatic messaging: We embrace the core Palestinian nationalist symbols of the flag, the watermelon and the keffiyeh, but at the same time we are not attached to secondary slogans or symbols or messaging, if they causes confusion, have negative connotations in the general public or distracts from the cause.
• Targeted BDS: Advocates for boycotts, disinvestment, and sanctions (BDS) specifically against entities involved in the occupation, Israeli settlements and attacks on civilians, while not targeting Israelis or Israeli organizations unrelated to these issues.

Why Adopt Zionism-Lite?

Zionism-lite was developed with the goal in mind of ending the war in Gaza, ending the occupation and settlements in the West Bank and bringing about a just two-state solution. The principles of Zionism-Lite are specifically designed to adhere to influential guidelines for effective activism in this space such that there is no confusion about whether groups adopting these principles are anti-Semitic, anti-Israel or anti-Zionist.

Many pro-Palestinian organizations have been vague on support for a two-state solution and whether they support Israel as a Jewish state in that context. This vagueness results from two factors: (1) it mirrors the Palestinian opening negotiation position for a two-state solution, and (2) it allows for a "Big Tent" approach by not excluding those who have differing views.

While this may have been slightly useful in the past, this vagueness is no longer useful but rather a hinderance. Palestinians have been willing to compromise on Right of Return and also on recognizing a Jewish State in final negotiations, and we are simply recognizing this compromise in our position.

Groups aligning with the these Zionism-lite Pro-Palestinian principles will be more acceptable in the mainstream and be less distracted by conversations unrelated to their long-term goals.

Alignments

We have designed these principles to align as best as we can with the following:

• IHRA: The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of anti-Semitism.
• JStreet: JStreet’s criteria regarding the boycotts, divestments, and sanctions initiatives it will support.
• Palestinians: The traditional Palestinian demands in two-state solution negotiations, although with explicit recognition of the expected compromises that will be made.
• Global Consensus: UN resolutions, ICJ rulings, and official policies of the US, Canada, UK, and EU.
• BDS Movement: The global BDS Movement's demand with some minor modifications: advocates explicitly for a two-state solution with Israel as a Jewish state rather than being ambiguous, excludes entities from BDS that are not involved in the occupation, settlements or attacks on civilians, and advocates for compensation-in-lieu for the majority displaced for resolving the Right of Return.

Pragmatic

We are deeply committed to pragmatism, thus we want to have:

• Mainstream Appeal: Resonates with the popular preferences of the West, which is required if one wants broad-based support for actions.
• Actionable and Effective: Focuses on practical steps towards meaningful outcomes.
• Avoids Distractions: Reduces the likelihood of being drawn into debates about anti-Semitism, anti-Israel sentiment, or anti-Zionism.

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