0-9
- 12 Tribes
- The twelve ancestral tribes of Israel, descended from the twelve sons of Jacob (also called Israel), which formed the foundation of the ancient Israelite nation.
A
- Abraham Accords
- A series of diplomatic agreements brokered by the U.S. in 2020, normalizing relations between Israel and several Arab nations, including the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan.
- ADL (Anti-Defamation League)
- A U.S.-based Jewish organization that fights antisemitism, hate speech, and extremism while advocating for civil rights.
- Al Jazeera
- A Qatar-based media network known for its coverage of Middle Eastern affairs, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, often accused of having a bias against Israel.
- Al Qaeda
- A militant Islamist terrorist organization founded by Osama bin Laden, responsible for the 9/11 attacks and numerous global terrorist acts.
- Al-Aqsa Mosque
- The third holiest site in Islam, located on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. It is a focal point in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
- Al-Nakba (1948)
- Arabic for “The Catastrophe,” referring to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinian Arabs during and after the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, which followed the establishment of the State of Israel. Many Palestinians fled or were expelled from their homes, leading to a long-standing refugee issue that remains a central aspect of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
- Al-Quds
- The Arabic name for Jerusalem, meaning “The Holy” or “The Sacred,” often used in Islamic and Palestinian nationalist discourse.
- Alawite
- A minority branch of Shia Islam, primarily found in Syria, with distinct religious beliefs that blend Islamic and pre-Islamic traditions. Former President Assad of Syria was an Alawite.
- Aliyah
- The immigration of Jews to Israel, considered a fundamental tenet of Zionism.
- Anti-Semitism
- Prejudice, hatred, or discrimination against Jewish people.
- Anti-Zionism
- Opposition to Zionism, the Jewish right to self-determination in Israel. Often overlaps with antisemitism when it seeks Israel’s destruction.
- Antisemite
- A person who holds prejudice or hostility toward Jews.
- Apartheid
- A system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination, historically associated with South Africa (1948–1994), where laws enforced the separation of racial groups and denied political and civil rights to non-whites. The term has also been used in political discourse to describe other instances of systemic segregation or discrimination.
- Arab
- A cultural and linguistic group originating from the Arabian Peninsula, now spread across the Middle East and North Africa.
- Ashkenazi
- Jews of Central and Eastern European descent, distinguished from Sephardic and Mizrahi Jews. Often times lighter complexioned than Sephardic Jews.
B
- B’nai B’rith
- A Jewish service organization founded in 1843, promoting human rights, Jewish advocacy, and support for Israel worldwide.
- Ba’ath Party
- A secular Arab nationalist party that ruled Iraq (under Saddam Hussein) and Syria (under the Assads), known for authoritarianism and opposition to Israel.
- Balfour Declaration
- A 1917 statement by the British government supporting the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine.
- Bar Kokhba Revolt
- A major Jewish rebellion against Roman rule in Judea (132–136 CE), led by Simon Bar Kokhba. It was crushed by Rome, leading to widespread destruction, Jewish exile, and the renaming of Judea as Syria Palaestina to erase Jewish ties to the land.
- Basel, Switzerland
- The city where the First Zionist Congress was held in 1897, led by Theodor Herzl, marking a pivotal moment in the Zionist movement.
- Bibi
- The common nickname for Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, known for his strong stance on security, right-wing policies, and international diplomacy.
- Blood Libel
- A false antisemitic accusation that Jews kidnap and murder Christian children to use their blood in religious rituals, historically used to incite violence against Jewish communities.
- Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS)
- A global movement advocating for economic and cultural pressure on Israel to influence its policies regarding Palestinians. Critics view it as antisemitic and aimed at delegitimizing Israel.
C
- Chaim Weizmann
- A Zionist leader, chemist, and Israel’s first president (1949–1952), instrumental in securing the Balfour Declaration and advancing Zionist diplomacy.
- Chosen People
- A belief in Jewish theology that the Jewish people were chosen by God for a unique covenant and responsibilities.
- Colonialism
- The practice of one nation exerting control over another territory, often through settlement, exploitation, or governance. Some critics apply this term to Israel, while others reject it as historically inaccurate.
- Cultural Zionism
- A Zionist ideology emphasizing Jewish cultural and spiritual revival in Israel, championed by Ahad Ha’am.
D
- Dar al-Harb
- An Islamic term meaning “House of War,” referring to regions not under Islamic rule, often contrasted with Dar al-Islam.
- Dar al-Islam
- An Islamic term meaning “House of Islam,” referring to territories under Islamic governance where Islamic law is applied.
- Democratic Socialists of America (DSA)
- A U.S. political organization promoting socialist policies. Some factions have been criticized for anti-Zionist positions and support for the BDS movement.
- Dhimmi
- A non-Muslim living under Islamic rule, granted protected status but subject to restrictions and the jizyah tax.
- Diaspora
- The dispersion of Jews outside their ancestral homeland, particularly after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE.
- Dreyfus Affair
- A political scandal in France (1894–1906) involving the wrongful conviction of Jewish army officer Alfred Dreyfus for espionage, exposing widespread antisemitism.
- Druze
- A religious minority in Israel, Lebanon, and Syria with a unique faith blending Islamic, Gnostic, and other influences. Many Druze serve in the Israeli military.
E
- Elie Wiesel
- A Holocaust survivor, author, and Nobel Laureate known for Night, a memoir of his experiences in Auschwitz. He became a prominent advocate for Holocaust remembrance and human rights.
- Emet
- Hebrew for “truth”; often used in Jewish philosophy and religious texts.
- Eretz
- Hebrew for “land,” commonly used to refer to the Land of Israel.
- Eretz Yisrael Hashleima
- Hebrew for “Greater Land of Israel,” referring to the idea of Jewish sovereignty over all biblical Israel, including Judea and Samaria (West Bank).
- Esther (Hadassah)
- Esther is the Hebrew name of Queen Esther, aka Hadassah, the Jewish heroine of the Book of Esther in the Hebrew Bible. She was a Jewish woman who became the queen of Persia and, with courage and wisdom, saved the Jewish people from extermination by the evil court official Haman. The story is commemorated in the Jewish holiday of Purim. The name Hadassah means “myrtle” in Hebrew, symbolizing righteousness and beauty.
- Ethnic Cleansing
- The forced removal of an ethnic or religious group from a particular territory.
- Extermination Camps
- Nazi-run facilities during the Holocaust where mass killings, primarily of Jews, were carried out, including Auschwitz, Treblinka, and Sobibor.
F
- Fatah
- A Palestinian nationalist political and militant organization, historically linked to the PLO.
- Fatwa
- A religious ruling or legal opinion in Islamic law issued by an Islamic scholar or cleric.
G
- Gaza Strip
- A coastal Palestinian territory bordering Israel and Egypt, controlled by Hamas since 2007.
- Genocide
- The deliberate and systematic extermination of a particular ethnic, religious, or national group.
- Ghetto
- Historically, a segregated area where Jews were forced to live, particularly in medieval Europe and under Nazi rule. Modern usage can refer to areas of enforced social or economic segregation.
- Golan Heights
- A strategic plateau captured by Israel from Syria in the 1967 Six-Day War and later annexed.
- Goy
- A Hebrew term meaning “nation” or “gentile,” used to refer to non-Jews. The plural form is goyim.
H
- Haaretz
- A leading Israeli newspaper known for its left-leaning editorial stance.
- Hadassah (Esther)
- Hadassah is the Hebrew name of Queen Esther, the Jewish heroine of the Book of Esther in the Hebrew Bible. She was a Jewish woman who became the queen of Persia and, with courage and wisdom, saved the Jewish people from extermination by the evil court official Haman. The story is commemorated in the Jewish holiday of Purim. The name Hadassah means “myrtle” in Hebrew, symbolizing righteousness and beauty.
- Haganah
- A Jewish paramilitary organization in British Mandate Palestine, which later became the core of the IDF.
- Halachah
- Jewish religious law, derived from the Torah, Talmud, and rabbinic rulings, guiding religious practice and daily life.
- Haman
- The villain in the Book of Esther who plotted to exterminate the Jewish people in ancient Persia. His defeat is celebrated during the Jewish holiday of Purim.
- Hamantaschen
- Triangular-shaped pastries traditionally eaten during Purim, symbolizing the defeated villain Haman’s hat, pockets, or ears. They are typically filled with fruit preserves, poppy seeds, or chocolate.
- Hamas
- A Palestinian Islamist militant group governing Gaza, designated as a terrorist organization by Israel, the U.S., and the EU.
- Haram
- Arabic for “forbidden” in Islamic law, referring to prohibited actions, foods, or behaviors.
- Hebrew
- An ancient Semitic language that is the official language of Israel and the traditional language of Jewish religious texts.
- Hezbollah
- A Lebanese Shia Islamist militant and political group backed by Iran, designated as a terrorist organization by several countries.
- Holocaust
- The genocide of six million Jews by Nazi Germany during World War II.
I
- IDF (Israeli Defense Forces)
- The military forces of Israel, established in 1948.
- Intifada
- Palestinian uprisings against Israeli control, particularly in 1987–1993 (First Intifada) and 2000–2005 (Second Intifada).
- ISIS
- An extremist militant group seeking to establish an Islamic caliphate, known for terrorism and human rights violations.
- Islamic Jihad
- Short for Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), a militant Palestinian terrorist organization aiming to destroy Israel through armed conflict.
- Islamophobia
- Prejudice, discrimination, or hostility against Muslims and Islam, often manifesting in social, political, and legal discrimination.
J
- Jerusalem
- The capital of Israel and a city of major religious significance for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. It is home to sacred sites such as the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
- Jerusalem Syndrome
- A psychological condition where visitors to Jerusalem develop religious delusions or messianic obsessions, often requiring medical intervention.
- Jewish Bolshevism
- An antisemitic conspiracy theory falsely alleging that Jews were behind the Russian Revolution and Communist movements.
- Jexodus
- A term used to describe Jewish political realignment, particularly Jewish voters leaving the Democratic Party due to concerns over antisemitism and Israel policies.
- Jihad
- An Arabic word meaning “struggle” or “striving,” which in Islamic teachings can refer to both a spiritual struggle for righteousness and, in some interpretations, armed conflict in defense of Islam.
- Jizyah
- A tax historically imposed on non-Muslims (dhimmis) living under Islamic rule in exchange for protection and limited religious freedoms.
- Jordan River
- A river flowing through the Middle East, significant in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions.
- Jpost
- Short for The Jerusalem Post, an English-language Israeli newspaper.
K
- Kibbutz
- A communal settlement in Israel, traditionally based on collective farming and socialist principles, though many have since privatized.
- Knesset
- The national parliament of Israel, responsible for legislating and governing the country.
- Kosher
- A set of dietary laws in Judaism that specify permissible foods and preparation methods according to Jewish law (kashrut).
L
- Labor Zionism
- A socialist-oriented branch of Zionism advocating for Jewish self-determination through collective labor, leading to the founding of Israel’s Labor Party.
- Le’chaim
- A Hebrew toast meaning “to life,” often used during celebrations.
- Likud
- right-wing political party in Israel, founded by Menachem Begin, promoting free markets, security, and a strong stance on Jewish settlement in the West Bank.
M
- Magen
- Hebrew for “shield”; often associated with Magen David (Star of David).
- Mossad
- Israel’s national intelligence agency, responsible for counterterrorism and foreign intelligence operations.
N
- Nazi
- A member of the National Socialist German Workers’ Party, which ruled Germany under Adolf Hitler and was responsible for the Holocaust and World War II atrocities.
- NGO
- Non-Governmental Organization; independent organizations often involved in humanitarian and political advocacy.
O
- Occupation
- The control of a territory by a foreign power. In the Israeli-Palestinian context, it commonly refers to Israeli control over the West Bank since the 1967 Six-Day War, though the term’s applicability is debated, it’s patently absurd.
- Occupied Territory
- Territories captured by Israel during the 1967 Six-Day War, including the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and Golan Heights.
- Olam
- A Hebrew word meaning “world” or “universe,” often used in religious contexts such as Olam HaZeh (this world) and Olam HaBa (the world to come).
- One-State Solution
- A proposed resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict advocating for a single, binational state instead of separate Israeli and Palestinian states.
- Oslo Accords
- A set of agreements between Israel and the PLO in the 1990s aimed at achieving peace.
P
- Palestine
- A historical and geopolitical region in the Middle East, associated with the modern Palestinian territories of the West Bank and Gaza.
- Palestinian Authority (PA)
- The administrative organization governing parts of the West Bank under agreements with Israel.
- PIJ (Palestinian Islamic Jihad
- A militant Palestinian organization, designated as a terrorist group by Israel, the U.S., and the EU, committed to the destruction of Israel and the establishment of an Islamic state.
- PLO (Palestine Liberation Organization)
- A political and militant organization representing the Palestinian people, once considered a terrorist group by Israel and the U.S.
- Pogrom
- A violent, often state-sanctioned attack on Jewish communities, particularly in Eastern Europe and Russia, involving destruction, looting, and massacres.
- Political Zionism
- A branch of Zionism, led by Theodor Herzl, advocating for diplomatic and political efforts to establish a Jewish homeland in Israel.
- Post-Zionism
- A movement questioning or rejecting classical Zionism, advocating for a more secular, multicultural, or binational approach to Israeli identity.
- Post-Zionist
- A person or ideology that challenges traditional Zionist narratives, often critiquing nationalism and advocating for Palestinian political inclusion.
- Practical Zionism
- A form of Zionism emphasizing immediate Jewish immigration, settlement, and development of the Land of Israel over diplomatic or political strategies.
- Promised Land
- A biblical term referring to the land of Israel, promised to the Jewish people in the Torah.
- Protocols of the Elders of Zion
- A fabricated antisemitic text falsely claiming a Jewish conspiracy to control the world, used as propaganda to incite hatred against Jews.
- Purim
- A Jewish holiday commemorating the salvation of the Jewish people from Haman’s plot in ancient Persia, as recorded in the Book of Esther. It is celebrated with feasting, costumes, and gift-giving.
Q
R
- Religious Zionism
- A Zionist ideology integrating Jewish religious beliefs with nationalism, seeing Israel’s establishment as a fulfillment of biblical prophecy.
- Replacement Theology
- Replacement Theology, also known as Supersessionism, is a theological belief held by some Christian traditions which asserts that the Christian Church has replaced Israel in God’s covenantal plan. According to this doctrine, the promises and blessings once given to the Jewish people are now transferred to the Church because the Jews allegedly rejected Jesus as the Messiah.
Context and Criticism:
This viewpoint has been widely debated and is considered problematic by many scholars and theologians. Critics argue that Replacement Theology has contributed to centuries of Christian antisemitism by fostering the idea that Jews are forsaken or spiritually inferior. In contrast, Christian Zionism upholds that God’s covenant with the Jewish people remains valid and eternal, and that modern Israel plays a prophetic role in biblical eschatology.
Relevance to Zionism:
Understanding Replacement Theology is essential in the context of Christian–Jewish relations and the support or opposition to modern Zionism. While some churches still adhere to elements of Replacement Theology, others have rejected it in favor of doctrines that recognize the ongoing significance of Israel and the Jewish people in God’s redemptive plan.
- Right of Return
- The claim that Palestinian refugees and their descendants have the right to return to their former homes in Israel.
S
- Sabbath (Shabbat)
- The Jewish day of rest and worship, observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening, marked by prayer, family meals, and refraining from work.
- Sar Shalom
- A Hebrew phrase meaning “Prince of Peace,” often used in Jewish and Christian traditions to refer to the Messiah.
- Self-determination
- The right of a people or nation to govern themselves and determine their own political status without external influence, central to Zionism and Palestinian nationalism.
- Sephardic
- Jews of Iberian (Spanish and Portuguese) descent, distinct from Ashkenazi Jews.
- Settler
- A person who moves to and resides in a disputed or occupied territory, particularly referring to Israeli settlers in the West Bank.
- Shalom
- A Hebrew word meaning “peace,” commonly used as a greeting or farewell in Jewish culture.
- Sharia Law
- Islamic law derived from the Quran and Hadith, governing aspects of personal conduct, religious practices, and legal matters in Muslim-majority societies. Its interpretation and application vary widely across different cultures and legal systems.
- Shiite
- A major branch of Islam, primarily found in Iran, Iraq, and Lebanon.
- Shin Bet
- Israel’s internal security service, responsible for counterterrorism and intelligence.
- Shoa
- Hebrew term for the Holocaust.
- Stuxnet
- A cyberweapon reportedly developed by Israel and the U.S. to sabotage Iran’s nuclear program.
- Sunni
- The largest branch of Islam, distinct from Shia Islam.
- Supersessionism
- Also called replacement theology, the Christian doctrine that the Church has replaced Israel as God’s chosen people, often leading to antisemitism and the denial of Jewish covenantal continuity.
- Synthetic Zionism
- A Zionist approach combining both political and practical Zionism, associated with Chaim Weizmann and the General Zionist movement.
T
- Talmud
- A central Jewish text, consisting of the Mishnah (oral law) and Gemara (commentary), guiding Jewish law and ethics.
- Tanakh
- The Hebrew Bible, consisting of three parts: the Torah (Law), Nevi’im (Prophets), and Ketuvim (Writings). It is the foundational text of Judaism.
- Tariq al Quds
- Arabic for “The Road to Jerusalem,” often symbolizing the Palestinian nationalist cause.
- Tel Aviv
- A major city in Israel, founded in 1909, known for its modernity, economic significance, cultural vibrancy, and as a hub for technology and innovation.
- Temple Mount
- A religiously significant site in Jerusalem, sacred in Judaism as the location of the First and Second Jewish Temples, and in Islam as the site of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock.
- Terrorism
- The use of violence, often against civilians, to instill fear and achieve political, religious, or ideological aims.
- Terrorist
- An individual who uses violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, to achieve political, ideological, or religious goals.
- Tikkun Olam
- A Hebrew phrase meaning “repairing the world,” referring to the Jewish ethical concept of social justice and improving society through good deeds.
- Torah
- The first five books of the Hebrew Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy), also known as the Five Books of Moses. It is the central and most sacred text in Judaism.
U
- UN Security Council
- A United Nations body responsible for international peace and security, often involved in Middle East resolutions.
- United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNHRC)
- A UN body responsible for promoting and protecting human rights worldwide. It has been criticized for its disproportionate focus on Israel.
V
W
- Wailing Wall
- A historical term for the Western Wall, referring to the Jewish practice of mourning the destruction of the Temple at the site.
- War Crimes
- Violations of international humanitarian law during armed conflicts, including targeting civilians, genocide, and torture.
- West Bank
- A territory captured by Israel in 1967, now partially governed by the Palestinian Authority.
- Western Wall
- A remnant of the retaining wall of the Second Jewish Temple in Jerusalem, considered the holiest site in Judaism where Jews pray.
X
Y
- Yahweh
- A vocalized form of YHWH, commonly used in Christian and academic contexts to refer to the God of Israel.
- Yehudi
- The Hebrew word for “Jew,” derived from the ancient Israelite tribe of Judah.
- Yeshiva
- A Jewish religious school focused on the study of Torah, Talmud, and Jewish law, central to Orthodox Jewish education.
- Yeshua
- The Hebrew and Aramaic name for Jesus, meaning “salvation.” Used primarily in Messianic Jewish and Christian traditions.
- YHWH
- The four-letter Hebrew name of God (Tetragrammaton), considered sacred in Judaism. It is often not pronounced, and substitutes like Adonai (Lord) or HaShem (The Name) are used instead.
- Yiddish
- A language historically spoken by Ashkenazi Jews, combining elements of German, Hebrew, and Slavic languages.
Z
- Zion
- A biblical term for Jerusalem and, by extension, the Land of Israel.
- Zionism
- A nationalist movement advocating for the Jewish people’s return to their ancestral homeland and the establishment of Israel.
- Zionist
- A supporter of Zionism, believing in the right of Jewish self-determination in Israel.
- Zionist Congress
- A gathering of Jewish leaders, first convened by Theodor Herzl in 1897, to advance the Zionist movement.
