Auto-Emancipation

Auto-Emancipation (Selbstemanzipation) is a pamphlet written in German by

Jewish nationalism, especially Zionism

Pinsker discussed the origins of antisemitism and argued for Jewish self-rule and the development of a Jewish national consciousness. He wrote that Jews would never be the social equals of non-Jews until they had a state of their own. He called on Jewish leaders to convene and address the problem. In the pamphlet, he describes anti-Jewish attacks as a psychosis, a pathological disorder and an irrational phobia.^[1]

Pinsker had originally been an assimilationist, calling for greater respect of human rights for Jews in Russia. However, following massive

Hovevei Zion

, which he chaired.

The essay itself inspired the group, and Jews throughout Europe, and was a landmark in the development of Zionism and the Jewish State. The pamphlet was published in September 1882.^[2]

Quotes

"Indeed, what a pitiful figure we cut! We are not counted among the nations, neither have we a voice in their councils, even when the affairs concern us. Our fatherland – the other man's country; our unity – dispersion; our solidarity – the battle against us; our weapon – humility; our defense – flight; our individuality – adaptability; our future – the next day. What a miserable role for a nation which descends from the Maccabees!"

"The great ideas of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries have not passed by our people without leaving a mark. We feel not only as Jews; we feel as men. As men, we, too, wish to live like other men and be a nation like the others…"^[3]