In a special episode marking the period between Yom HaShoah and Yom HaAtzmaut, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi explore the deep and ongoing debate over the meaning of Zionism. They examine how the term carries layers of history, identity, and responsibility, and question whether the Jewish people can afford to distance themselves from a word so central to modern Jewish life.

The discussion addresses the classical promises of Zionism, particularly Jewish empowerment and self determination, alongside growing calls in progressive circles to abandon or redefine the term. Hartman and Halevi analyze how Zionism is understood differently in Israel compared to Jewish communities outside the country, where political and social pressures shape the conversation.

Ultimately, they consider what would be required for Zionism to become not only defensible in the face of criticism, but once again a source of inspiration and unity for Jews around the world.