“The Jew was doing his Christian duty”1: The New Ghetto as a Representation of Herzl’s Political Epoch

This essay asks how Herzl’s play, The New Ghetto, can be read as a representation of the sociopolitical tensions which affected and influenced emancipated Jewish community in European capitals by end 19th century. Among pervading time, I discuss kinds Antisemitism birthed emancipation: both virulent kind that outright threatens stereotypes Jews, much subtle kind, those who are willing to include so long they desist from their Judaism. also speak about internal (within community); for instance, regards question emancipating. While some Jews baptized advance socially professionally, others still endorse ideal an Jew whose identities coexist. Finally, analyze leaders confronted these ideologies collide (often dangerously so) creating two alternatives: Assimilationism Zionism. first insisted on belief that, through movements like emancipation, would succeed integrating into what considered diasporic homes, latter dismissed this hope, instead turned Zionism—or establishment state—as exclusive path toward security prosperity. Having traced manifestations within conclude arguing play advocates own political ideology, representing his Assimilationist past ultimately endorsing Zionist future he come embrace, once all else had failed.