The Sarcastic Ode to Zionist-Fascist Romance

When Your National Liberation Movement Really, Really Likes Fascism

In the grand tapestry of political history, few love stories are as touching, as heartfelt, and as utterly convenient as the whirlwind romance between certain Zionist factions and Benito Mussolini's fascist regime. While today's politicians might pretend to be shocked—shocked!—by such alliances, the historical record shows that when it comes to nationalist movements finding common ground with fascists, well, ideological purity often takes a backseat to pragmatic collaboration. So let us pour a glass of Chianti and toast to this beautiful friendship that everyone pretends never happened.

Courting il Duce: The Zionist Wooing of Mussolini

When Mussolini seized power in 1922, the Italian Zionist Federation initially clutched their pearls like a Victorian lady witnessing a bar fight. But within months, they discovered Il Duce wasn't the anti-Semitic monster they feared—he was actually a potential ally! How fortunate! A delegation secured an audience with Mussolini in December 1922, where they promised their loyalty and suggested Italian Jews could help establish relations with Levant Jewish communities .

The real courtship began when Chaim Weizmann, president of the World Zionist Organization, visited Mussolini in January 1923. With the charm of a seasoned diplomat, Weizmann assured Mussolini that even if Zionism was a British tools (which he denied, of course), it would still help weaken Muslim power—something both could appreciate . Nothing says "we share values" like mutual antipathy toward Arab populations!

By 1926, Mussolini had decided Zionism was here to stay and became downright cordial. The Fascist press began publishing glowing articles about Palestinian Zionism, and Zionist leaders returned the affection with gusto. Nahum Sokolow, chairman of the Zionist Executive, met Mussolini in 1927 and announced that "true Jews have never fought against you" . Such devotion! Such loyalty! Who needs principles when you have patronage?

The Ideological Harmony: Because Nationalism is Nationalism

The romantic chemistry between certain Zionists and fascists wasn't merely practical—it was ideological. Italian Zionist leader Alfonso Pacifici developed a whole philosophy claiming Judaism's spiritual tendencies aligned perfectly with Fascism . Who could have guessed that authoritarianism, nationalism, and racial purity concepts would find such resonance?

Zionists With Italian Fascists

Rabbi Angelo Sacerdoti, chief rabbi of Rome and active Zionist, helpfully explained in 1927 that Fascist principles—"observance of state laws, respect for traditions, principle of authority, exaltation of religious values"—were essentially Jewish principles . Because nothing says "Jewish values" like embracing a regime that would later implement racial laws and collaborate with Nazi Germany!

The Revisionist Zionists, led by Ze'ev Jabotinsky, were particularly smitten with fascist aesthetics and discipline. Their youth groups adopted military-style uniforms and structures, and they enrolled members in Mussolini's maritime academy to train as naval officers . Because if you're going to build a nationalist movement, why not learn from the experts in blackshirt fashion and authoritarian governance?

Practical Collaborations: When Ideology Meets Opportunity

This beautiful relationship wasn't just about flirtatious compliments and philosophical alignment—it produced meaningful collaboration! The Revisionists didn't merely admire Mussolini from afar; they sent their youth to train in his institutions. These Blackshirts University Fascist Youth members would later become the founding cadre of the Israeli navy . Because what better foundation for a Jewish naval force than training from a regime that would eventually enact racial laws against Jews?

Meanwhile, the mainstream Zionist movement maintained cordial relations with Mussolini even as he established closer ties with Hitler. When Hitler came to power in 1933, he acknowledged Mussolini as his "spiritual head" . Yet Zionist leaders continued their romance with Il Duce, apparently unconcerned by his new friendship with the guy who would eventually orchestrate the Holocaust.

The collaboration extended beyond training to political support. Zionist leaders provided Mussolini with international credibility by praising his regime in Jewish periodicals worldwide . In return, Mussolini offered help building up Zionist economic interests in Palestine. It was a beautiful exchange: Zionist endorsement for fascist legitimacy, all wrapped up in mutual admiration!

Highlights of Zionist-Fascist Collaboration, 1922-1938

Year Collaboration Activity Zionist Participants Fascist Benefits

1922: Loyalty pledge to Mussolini Italian Zionist Federation Domestic Jewish support

1923: Weizmann's realpolitik pitch World Zionist Organization Anti-Muslim alliance

1927: Ideological alignment claims Rabbi Sacerdoti, Pacifici Philosophical legitimacy

1930s: Military training exchange Revisionist Zionists International influence

1934: Nazi-Zionist medal issuance German Zionist Federation Propaganda value

But Then Things Went Sour—How Unexpected!

The most tragic love stories have their dramatic turning points, and this romance was no exception. In 1938, Mussolini enacted racial laws targeting Jews, stripping them of citizenship, expelling them from schools, and restricting their professional lives . The shock! The betrayal! Who could have predicted that a fascist regime obsessed with racial purity might eventually turn on Jews?

Italian Jews, who had largely supported Mussolini until this point—with many being fervent supporters of the regime—suddenly found themselves on the wrong side of racial laws . The Zionist leadership, which had spent years praising Mussolini, now faced the uncomfortable reality that their fascist crush might not have been Mr. Right after all.

Yet even as Mussolini moved closer to Hitler and implemented antisemitic policies, some Zionist factions continued their fascination with fascism. The Revisionists maintained their admiration for authoritarian models, and even after World War II, former Revisionists would incorporate fascist-inspired elements into Israeli politics . Because why let a little thing like the Holocaust completely ruin a perfectly good ideological affinity?

The Revisionists: When Love for Fascism Knows No Bounds

Let us pause to appreciate the Revisionist Zionists' particularly enduring affection for fascism. Jabotinsky's followers weren't just casually interested in Mussolini's style—they were true devotees. They adopted the Roman salute, praised authoritarian leadership, and envisioned Jabotinsky as the "Hebrew Duce" . Because if you're going to build a nationalist movement, why reinvent the wheel when you can borrow from existing fascist designs?

This affection extended beyond Italy to Nazi Germany itself. In 1940, Avraham Stern's faction (the Stern Gang) proposed an alliance with Nazi Germany, suggesting that "common interests could exist between the establishment of a new order in Europe in conformity with the German concept, and the true national aspirations of the Jewish people" . Nothing says "Jewish liberation" like offering to join forces with the regime that would soon be implementing the Final Solution!

After the war, these fascist-inspired tendencies didn't disappear. Menachem Begin, former Irgun leader and future Israeli prime minister, would lead a party that Albert Einstein, Hannah Arendt, and other prominent Jews compared to "Nazi and Fascist parties" in its organization, methods, and philosophy . But hey, who better to criticize fascism than those who once admired it?

But We Don't Talk About That History

Today, Israel conveniently hosts conferences featuring Europe's far-right politicians while positioning itself as a victim of antisemitism . Netanyahu's Likud party—which traces its roots to Jabotinsky's Revisionists—now enjoys observer status in the far-right "Patriots for Europe" group in the European Parliament, alongside parties with historical ties to Nazism and fascism . How touching to see the legacy of Zionist-fascist collaboration living on in modern political alliances!

So let us raise a glass to this beautiful, misunderstood romance between Zionism and Fascism. A love story so pure, so idealistic, and so conveniently forgotten when contemporary politicians need to present themselves as innocent victims of historical persecution. Because in the end, nothing matters more than national interests—not principles, not morality, and certainly not historical consistency.

After all, as the wise ones say: "If you can't remember history, you're doomed to repeat it—while loudly denying it ever happened the first time."