What is the meaning of "Small Zionism"?

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A. Mr. Scholem, Lord Passfield, Dr. Magnes, and other friends of Israel now stand and declare that a Hebrew state was not promised to us at all, and that the Jews have no need for a state; they can be satisfied with some "national home": and a "home" of this kind will be perfectly sufficient and will bring them great happiness. This idea is called "Small Zionism" in contrast to "Great Zionism," which dreams vain and idle dreams, and therefore let us examine this Small Zionism: what does it look like up close, and what is the quality of life that it promises us? At the same time, I am postponing for a moment—and not forever—the question of whether a Hebrew state was truly not "promised" to us. I declare that I believe it was indeed promised; but on that—at another time. And so let us also postpone to the next chapter the question of what is the legal content of the expression "national home," if it does not have to be a national state. Let us simply agree for a moment: fine, you are right; we will accept a "national home" without a state. Fine, so be it, Small Zionism. And what will be its conclusions?

The word "small" is not a derogatory word. Sometimes even a small thing is good; one should respect small things, and in general, it is forbidden to dismiss anything out of hand. One must look at everything up close, and to look means to ascertain that the thing already exists, that it has already become a fact and influences the life of reality. And so—what is the effect?

To this day, no wise man has been found who could determine the essence of the concept: a "national home" that is not a state. However, one detail in this concept—a negative detail—is absolutely clear. And the detail is that this "home" is forbidden to become a Hebrew state. This is the main condition, the essential condition for Small Zionism. Small Zionism demands that a Hebrew state not be established, because it must not be established, even in the future. It is not enough to say, "For now, we do not demand a state, and in the future—with Heaven's permission." For this is the formula of Great Zionism. No one dreams of a state that will be established immediately; even a zealot for the Hebrew state like him, for example, understands that for years to come the Land of Israel will not be a state. It is explicit from the words of its enemies...