The HyperTexts
Sigmund Freud on Zionism, the Jewish State of Israel and Arab-Jewish Relationships
compiled and edited by Michael R. Burch
Sigmund Freud one of the world's most famous Jews and the father of modern psychoanalysis, rejected political Zionism, joining Albert Einstein
and other prominent Jewish intellectuals [Einstein embraced spiritual Zionism but not the idea of a militarized Jewish political state that
would disenfranchise Palestinian Arabs]. Here is a letter on the subject that Freud wrote to writing to a Zionist, Dr. Chaim Koffler, who had
tried to recruit him to the Zionist cause, in 1930:
Vienna: 26 February 1930
Dear Sir:
"I cannot do as you wish ... Whoever wants to influence the masses must give them something rousing and inflammatory and my sober judgment of
Zionism does not permit this. I certainly sympathize with its goals, am proud of our University in Jerusalem and am delighted with our
settlement’s prosperity. But, on the other hand, I do not think that Palestine could ever become a Jewish state, nor that the Christian
and Islamic worlds would ever be prepared to have their holy places under Jewish care. It would have seemed more sensible to me to establish a
Jewish homeland on a less historically-burdened land. But I know that such a rational viewpoint would never have gained the enthusiasm of the
masses and the financial support of the wealthy. I concede with sorrow that the baseless fanaticism of our people is in part to be blamed for
the awakening of Arab distrust. I can raise no sympathy at all for the misdirected piety which transforms a piece of a Herodian wall into a
national relic, thereby offending the feelings of the natives. Now judge for yourself whether I, with such a critical point of view, am the
right person to come forward as the solace of a people deluded by unjustified hope."
Your obedient servant,
Freud
What would Sigmund Freud have made of Israel today, and the Nakba ("Catastrophe") of the Palestinian people? Certain of his quotes
are illuminating:
A belligerent state permits itself every such misdeed, every such act of violence, as would disgrace the individual.
A civilization which leaves so large a number of its participants unsatisfied and drives them into revolt neither has nor deserves the
prospect of a lasting existence.
Being entirely honest with oneself is a good exercise.
Civilization began the first time an angry person cast a word instead of a rock.
Civilized society is perpetually menaced with disintegration through this primary hostility of men towards one another.
Everywhere I go I find that a poet has been there before me.
Flowers are restful to look at. They have neither emotions nor conflicts.
What progress we are making. In the Middle Ages they would have burned me. Now they are content with burning my books.
What we call happiness in the strictest sense comes from the (preferably sudden) satisfaction of needs which have been dammed up to a
high degree.
Where id was, there ego shall be.
Whoever loves becomes humble. Those who love have, so to speak, pawned a part of their narcissism.
It is impossible to overlook the extent to which civilization is built upon a renunciation of instinct.
He does not believe that does not live according to his belief.
If you can't do it, give up!
The HyperTexts