Also Sion-. [f. prec. + -ISM.] A movement among modern Jews having for its object the assured settlement of their race upon a national basis in Palestine. So Zionist, a supporter of Zionism; also attrib. or as adj.
1896. Jewish Chron., 17 Jan., 12/2. The emigration and Zionist societies. Ibid., 15 May, 10/1. I would ask them … to consider whether Zionism … really deserves to be preached down as a standing danger to Israel’s progress. Ibid., 28 Aug., 6/1. Many of those who worship the national ideal are Zionists; not all though, nor do all Zionists share the national idea. Ibid. Zionism does not necessarily aim at the formation of a Jewish State in Palestine.
1904. Times, 5 May, 15/2. Zionism had actually penetrated the West-end Synagogue.
1906. Q. Rev., Oct., 589–90. The Sionists, who are a small minority of the Jews, were not strong in the working-classes.
