Casey Babb, director of the Promised Land Project at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute in Ottawa, has released a new book titled *The Moral Case for Zionism*, aiming to redefine and reclaim Zionism as a rational and significant concept grounded in Jewish national identity and historical continuity. The book, published by Wicked Son on October 22, challenges prevailing negative portrayals of Zionism, arguing that it is neither colonialist nor racist but rather a Jewish national-liberation movement intimately connected to the historic Jewish relationship with the land of Israel.
Babb’s work comes amid increasing global debate and controversy regarding Zionism, particularly following the rise of anti-Zionist rhetoric after the events of October 7. He contends that much of the discourse surrounding Zionism has become emotionally charged and historically disconnected. His objective is to provide readers—Jewish and non-Jewish alike—with the historical context and language to differentiate legitimate criticism of Israeli government policies from attacks on Jewish collective rights, as well as to confront antisemitism frequently expressed through anti-Zionist arguments.
The author, who also holds fellowships at Tel Aviv’s Institute for National Security Studies and the Royal United Services Institute in London, draws on extensive academic research in political science and international relations. However, he deliberately adopts an accessible and personal tone to make his arguments more relatable to a wider audience. He emphasizes that Zionism remains a unifying force in Jewish communities worldwide, noting how Israeli statehood transformed Jewish identity from a largely private affair into a public, shared experience.
Babb highlights the existential threat posed by anti-Zionism, which he believes aims to undermine not only the Jewish state but the continuity and spirit of the Jewish people themselves. His book proposes that Jews and their allies resist fear and retreat, instead embracing their history and culture with renewed courage and confidence.
Among the practical recommendations Babb offers is the encouragement of communal engagement and cultural connection through practices such as observing Shabbat, promoting the Hebrew language, and participating actively in Israeli culture. He calls for a “more Zionist life” as a means of fostering pride, purpose, and solidarity.
In distinguishing his book from earlier works like Alan Dershowitz’s *The Case for Israel*, published 25 years ago, Babb explains that while Dershowitz’s approach was primarily a legal defense against accusations directed at Israel, *The Moral Case for Zionism* makes a broader moral, historical, and civilizational argument for Zionism’s enduring positive values, such as democratic pluralism, national self-determination, and cultural revival.
The contemporary political landscape in Israel illustrates the ongoing contestation over Zionism’s meaning and implications. Figures like Yisrael Beytenu chairman Avigdor Liberman have excluded non-Zionist parties, including Haredi and Arab-led groups, from their visions for government, describing these groups as “anti-Zionist.” Similarly, Benny Gantz and others have advocated for “broad Zionist governments” to limit the influence of political extremism.
Despite these assertions, public understanding of Zionism remains varied and contested. Commentators such as author Dara Horn have noted the widespread uncertainty about what Zionism truly entails. Critics often associate Zionism with terms like genocide or apartheid, a characterization Babb and others firmly reject, emphasizing instead its role as a movement for Jewish self-determination and cultural renewal.
Ultimately, *The Moral Case for Zionism* seeks to counter both distortions and silencing efforts by presenting Zionism as a morally inspiring and historically grounded vision for Jewish life and identity in the modern world.