The resistance against colonialism, global imperialism, and Zionism was a significant concern for leaders of the Third World during the peak of India’s national freedom struggle. Mahatma Gandhi, as a leader of the Indian National Congress and a staunch anti-imperialist, was deeply critical of colonial interventions in the Arab world, including the British support for political Zionism in Palestine. [1]
Historical Context: AICC Resolutions on Palestine
The All India Congress Committee (AICC) sessions in 1937 and 1938 reflected India’s solidarity with the Palestinian struggle. In 1937, the AICC strongly condemned the partition of Palestine and the terrorist activities associated with Zionism, adopting a resolution in support of the Arab national struggle. [2] In September 1938, the AICC called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, urging Jews and Muslims to collaborate without British interference. The resolution also warned against the dangers of the Zionist movement’s reliance on British imperialism. [2]
Gandhi’s Philosophical Critique of Zionism
Gandhi recognized the historical persecution of Jews and sympathized with their suffering. However, he distinguished between spiritual Zionism, which he viewed positively, and political Zionism, which he opposed. In a 1931 interview with The Jewish Chronicle, Gandhi stated:
“Zionism in the spiritual sense is a good idea. It means keeping Jerusalem in mind. But the (political) Zionist idea of colonizing Palestine does not appeal to me at all.” [3]
In his 1938 article in Harijan, Gandhi further elaborated:
“The Palestine depicted in the Bible is not a geographical area; it is something that must be located in the mind. The move to make geographical Palestine a national homeland under the shadow of the British gun is dangerous. A religious goal cannot be achieved with bayonets or bombs.” [4]
Gandhi’s Call for Non-Violence and Reconciliation
Gandhi believed that Jews could only achieve their aspirations in Palestine through non-violence and mutual respect. He urged Jews to win the hearts of Arabs through love and service, rather than relying on force or external support. In a 1947 interview, Gandhi emphasized:
“If the Jews want to live in Palestine, they can do so only by making the Arabs their friends; they do not need to accept British and American help.” [5]
Gandhi’s critique of Zionism was rooted in his broader philosophy of ahimsa (non-violence) and his opposition to colonialism. He rejected terrorism and violence, even for religious purposes, and called for a just and peaceful resolution to the Palestinian issue. [1]
Gandhi and Zionism
The Zionists, frustrated by Mahatma Gandhi’s cautious approach to the Jewish-Arab conflict in Palestine, made concerted efforts to influence his views. One such effort was led by Hermann Kallenbach (1871-1945), a close associate of Gandhi during their time in South Africa. In 1937, Kallenbach spent three weeks with Gandhi, presenting him with Zionist literature and advocating for the Zionist cause. Despite these efforts, Gandhi remained steadfast in his opposition to the concept of a Jewish “Promised Land” established through political or military means. He believed that such a state would inevitably lead to conflict with the Arab population in Palestine. [6]
Gandhi on Anti-Semitism
Gandhi was deeply critical of anti-Semitism, which he viewed as a grave injustice rooted in historical prejudice. In a 1931 interview with The Jewish Chronicle, he stated:
“Anti-Semitism is a blight on humanity. The Jewish people have suffered immensely, often in the name of Christianity. To address this, two things are necessary: First, those who claim to be Christians must embrace tolerance and compassion. Second, Jews must strive to free themselves from the conditions that make them targets of hatred.” [3]
In 1938, as the horrors of Nazi Germany became increasingly apparent, Gandhi condemned Hitler’s regime in strong terms:
“If there is ever a war justified in the name of humanity, it is a war against Hitler’s Germany. The oppression perpetrated in the name of race must be stopped. However, I remain committed to the principle of non-violence and do not believe in war as a solution.” [4]
Gandhi also identified the roots of anti-Semitism in the misinterpretation of religious texts:
“Christians have built deep prejudices against Jews through a misguided reading of the New Testament. They have unjustly blamed Jews for societal ills, ignoring the immense contributions of Jewish individuals like Einstein and Mozart to human civilization. I sympathize deeply with the suffering of the Jewish people. Tragedies should teach us the value of peace, not perpetuate cycles of violence.” [3]
Critiquing Zionism
Gandhi viewed Zionism as an imperial project that risked exacerbating global tensions. While he acknowledged the historical and emotional ties of Jews to Palestine, he opposed the establishment of a Jewish state through force or external intervention. He believed that such an approach would alienate the Arab population and undermine the possibility of peaceful coexistence.
In a 1931 statement, Gandhi articulated his position:
“I understand the Jewish longing for Palestine, but this goal should not be achieved through the use of force or British military support. True Zion lies in the human heart; the spiritual Jerusalem is accessible to all, everywhere.” [3]
Gandhi was particularly critical of British imperialism in the region. He argued that the British decision to allocate a significant portion of Palestine to Jewish settlers, without consulting the Arab majority, was a violation of ethical and political principles. In a 1921 article in Young India, he wrote:
“The British policy of granting Palestine to Jews under the guise of wartime promises disregards the rights and aspirations of the Arab people. Such actions violate the very principles of justice and fairness.” [7]
In a 1937 letter to Hermann Kallenbach, Gandhi reiterated his stance:
“If the Jews wish to gain the support of the Arabs, they must free themselves from British protection and seek a peaceful resolution. The use of terrorism or external force to seize Palestine is morally indefensible.” [6]
Gandhi’s Vision for Palestine
Gandhi believed that Palestine should remain under Muslim control, with its holy sites accessible to people of all faiths. He argued that any attempt to establish Jewish sovereignty over the region through military or political manipulation would be unjust. In a 1921 interview with the Daily Herald, he stated:
“The holy places of Islam, including Palestine, must remain under Muslim control and be freely accessible to all. There is no justification for granting Palestine to Jews under the pretext of war or imperial favouritism.” [8]
He also rejected the British claim that Jews would become a “wandering people” without control over Palestine. In Young India (1921), he wrote:
“The idea that Jews must dominate Palestine to avoid becoming a stateless people is flawed. Such control should not be achieved through deceit or by undermining moral principles.” [7]
Gandhi advocated for a humanitarian approach to the Jewish refugee crisis, suggesting that Muslims could demonstrate their tradition of generosity by offering refuge to Jews. However, he emphasized that Jewish survival in Palestine depended on building trust and friendship with the Arab population, rather than relying on British or American support. [9]
Gandhi’s views on Zionism and anti-Semitism were shaped by his commitment to non-violence, justice, and interfaith harmony. While he sympathized with the suffering of Jews, he opposed the establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine through force or imperial intervention. He believed that true peace could only be achieved through mutual respect and understanding between Jews and Arabs, rather than through territorial conquest or external domination. [1]
Bibliography
1. Panter-Brick, Simon, Gandhi and the Middle East: Jews, Arabs, and Imperial Politics. I.B. Tauris: London, 2008, p. 63.
2. Pyarelal. Mahatma Gandhi: The Last Phase. Ahmedabad: Navajivan Publishing House, 1958.
3. Gandhi, M.K. Interview with The Jewish Chronicle, London, October 2, 1931.
4. Gandhi, M.K. “The Jews.” Harijan, November 26, 1938.
5. Gandhi, M.K. Interview with Reuters, Harijan, May 18, 1947.
6. Letter to Hermann Kallenbach, July 20, 1937.
7. Gandhi, M.K. Young India, March 23, 1921.
8. Interview with Gandhi, Daily Herald, March 16, 1921.
9. Gandhi’s Message to the Arabs, The Hindu, May 1, 1947.
V.A. Mohamad Ashrof is an independent Indian scholar specializing in Islamic humanism. With a deep commitment to advancing Quranic hermeneutics that prioritize human well-being, peace, and progress, his work aims to foster a just society, encourage critical thinking, and promote inclusive discourse and peaceful coexistence. He is dedicated to creating pathways for meaningful social change and intellectual growth through his scholarship. He can be reached at [email protected]
