Promoting a world-wide movement for the return of Jewish people to their ancient home in the Middle East.
Zionism has two major sources, one in Jewish tradition and religious feeling and the other in the need to find safe refuge from manifestations of anti-Semitism.
Zionism as a strategy was mainly implemented in the 20th century, through holding Congresses, migrating, politically influencing various governments, public education campaigns, civil war, terrorism, agricultural communes (kibbutzim), a unilateral declaration of independence and the building of the political and social forms and economic infrastructure of a new nation. (1) It has given a new sense of identity to Jews around the world. (2) It has preserved the Hebrew language. (3) It has given a new impetus to archaeology in the Holy Land. (4) It has helped to revive understanding of the Jewish origins of Christianity.
Zionism has been opposed by many Jews in the West who favoured assimilation into their particular adopted communities, short of conversion.