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September 5, 2008
A privilege to be a Zionist
New book celebrates Canadians' role in the history of Israel.
RON FRIEDMAN
As residents of Modi'in enjoy the shops and amenities at the new Azrieli mall that opened recently in the city, Canadians get a chance to enjoy the fruits of an altogether different labor by the Canadian real-estate magnate. David Azrieli, who is a builder, designer, architect, developer and philanthropist – most identified with the Tel Aviv landmark bearing his name – has added published author to his resume. His new book, Rekindling the Torch: The Story of Canadian Zionism, has recently been published by Key Porter Books.
Rekindling the Torch, which Azriel wrote in collaboration with Jewish historian Joe King, is a welcome addition to the growing literature that deals with Canadian Zionism. In an interview with the Jewish Independent, Azrieli said he chose the title because, "We felt that, in the last few years, with people talking about post-Zionism and that the state is [already] born so there is no need for a Zionist movement, that the book will bring back and emphasize the point that the Zionist movement is doing well and [it is] alive and the young people who are visiting Israel or going on the various programs that exist now, Birthright and others, will rekindle in their heart the love of Zion."
Azrieli began work on the book 12 years ago, while he was president of the Canadian Zionist Federation. He decided to publish it now, in honor of Israel's 60th anniversary. "I realized how little Canadians, both Jews and non-Jews, know about the Canadian contribution to Israel and I thought this should be brought to the attention of the public," said Azrieli.
The book is divided into three sections: history, activities and people. The first section outlines the evolution of Canadian Zionism from its beginnings near the end of the 19th century to the Six Day War in 1967. It gives an account of Jewish history in the country and shows how the cause of Zionism became an important feature in Jewish community life. The section takes readers through the two world wars, the building of the Yishuv in Mandate Palestine, the formation of Israel and its early struggles – highlighting Canadian involvement.
The text is broken up with many photos depicting the Zionist leaders of the day and sidebars providing short summaries on various topics of interest, including historic events, biographies of key personnel and quotes by world figures. In between, readers can also find copies of archived documents, including such things as a 1906 poster urging Jews to contribute to Israel, a 1917 placard calling on young Jewish men to enlist in the Jewish battalion and a 1923 receipt for a gift by Canadian Hadassah to Keren Hayesod. Azrieli draws particular attention to the work of non-Jewish Canadians in building the state of Israel and their role in defending it in its early years. A special tribute to all Canadians who served in the Machal, fighting to defend the fledgling state in the 1948 War of Independence, appears in this section, naming nearly 250 people.
The second section takes readers from 1967 to the present, a period during which Canadian Zionists became more politically active, especially after the formation of the Canada-Israel Committee, and when links between the two countries strengthened. Azrieli talks about the various elements that brought the states together: for example, economic, academic, cultural and personal ties. In this part of the book, Azrieli also writes about the various Zionist organizations that are active in Canada, as well as the focus on youth and the importance of Israel and Zionism in Jewish education.
The final section of the book is called "The ABCs of Canadian Zionism." In this chapter, Azrieli provides readers with brief biographies of roughly 60 individuals who left a substantial mark on Canadian Zionism and a short description of their contributions.
Azrieli said that he intentionally left out any mention of conflicts and disagreements between different groups and individuals along the way. "It [the book] was not going to deal with petty little problems and little personalities and fighting, it was looking at the broader picture, in a bigger picture," he said.
In looking to the future, Azrieli makes the argument for a new form of Zionism, one in which many Canadians are actively participating today; he calls it "new chalutziut" ("new pioneering spirit"). "Where the chalutz [settler] in the past was the guy that was tilling the land, drying up swamps, building roads and stuff like that (mostly connected with physical labor), where the term businessman or salesman was usually looked at as something derogative, the new chalutzim are well educated, speak many languages, excel at producing high-tech innovation, using new medical equipment and being able, with their personality, knowledge and intelligence and the Jewish gift of using their brains, to spread to all over the world," said Azrieli.
When asked about the changing relationship between Israel and the Diaspora and the influence on Zionist ideology, Azrieli responded: "The relationships between people and ideas are never static, they always require new input and new changes. I think that one of the most significant changes is that Israel will become economically more independent and will not rely or need the financial help. But they will need input of education; they will also need to educate the children of Canada, the United States, all the Diaspora, on what Zionism is and what the state of Israel is."
Azrieli said that being a Zionist in Canada was always easy for him. "Being a Zionist was always a privilege," he said. "It has been a pleasure to live in a time where we could be Zionists and we have our own state." That sentiment is reflected clearly in Rekindling the Torch.
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