Einstein advocated for Jewish connections to Palestine that were not based on domination or nationalism, but on coexistence and ethical responsibility:

Layla Rafaoui

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Einstein advocated for Jewish connections to Palestine that were not based on domination or nationalism, but on coexistence and ethical responsibility:

“If we are unable to find a way of honest cooperation and honest agreement with the Arabs, then we have learned nothing during our 2,000 years of suffering and deserve the fate that befalls us.”-Albert Einstein, 1929

“The Zionist idea can only be realized in justice to the Arabs.”-Albert Einstein, 1929

“Nationalism is an infantile disease. It is the measles of mankind.”-Albert Einstein, 1929

“I am in favor of the Jewish people having a center in Palestine, but I am opposed to the creation of a Jewish state.”-Albert Einstein, 1931

“I should much rather see reasonable agreement with the Arabs on the basis of living together in peace than the creation of a Jewish state.”-Albert Einstein, 1938

“My awareness of the essential nature of Judaism resists the idea of a Jewish state with borders, an army, and a measure of temporal power, no matter how modest.”-Albert Einstein, 1938

“I am afraid of the inner damage Judaism will sustain—especially from the development of a narrow nationalism within our own ranks.”-Albert Einstein, 1938

“A Jewish Palestine cannot be built up against the will of the Arab people.”-Albert Einstein, 1946

“We must avoid the mistakes of nationalism which have already brought so much suffering to humanity.”-Albert Einstein, 1946

“The emergence of the Freedom Party (Herut) is closely akin in its organization, methods, political philosophy and social appeal to the Nazi and Fascist parties.”-Albert Einstein, 1948

“The crippling of individuals I consider the worst evil of capitalism and of nationalism combined.”-Albert Einstein, 1950 (Out of My Later Years)

He was perhaps best described in modern terms as a “non-Zionist” or an anti-nationalist more broadly. Those who claim he was a Zionist misunderstand that he did not support a Jewish nation-state but instead emphasized Jewish cultural life, historical and ongoing religious connection to Palestine, and coexistence with the Arab population. This is not Zionism.

Jewish attachment to Palestine in his view was cultural and historical rather than political domination, and within that framework Jewish religious pilgrimages already maintained this connection throughout history. By modern and practical definitions, especially those focused on political Zionism as state nationalism, you could also argue he was anti-Zionist.