General Zionism
General Zionism was initially the term used for the
beliefs of all members of the Zionist Organization [ZO] who had not
joined a specific faction or party belonging to their countrywide Zionist organizations only. Over the
years, the General Zionists, too, created ideological institutions and
joined the Organization of General Zionists, established in 1922 as
a centrist party in the ZO. The precepts of the General Zionists included
Basle-style Zionism free of ideological embellishments and the primacy
of Zionism over any class, party, or personal interest. This party,
in its many metamorphoses, championed causes such as the encouragement
of private initiative and protection of middle-class rights. In 1931,
the General Zionists split into Factions A and B as a result of disagreements
over issues of concern in Palestine: social affairs, economic matters,
the attitude toward the General Federation of Jewish Labor (the Histadrut),
etc. In 1945, the factions reunited.
Most of Israel's Liberal movements and parties
were formed under the inspiration of the General
Zionists and reflect mergers in and secessions
from this movement.
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