ROSENZWEIG AND THE COHEN-B UBER DISPUTE ON ZIONISM

The article deals with Rosenzweig's reaction to the Cohen-Buber diatribe on Zionism in 1916. Rosenzweig did not take sides in the heated debate between Cohen and Buber. He disliked the entire dispute. He brought the debate to a more fundamental level : Jews had to preserve the prophetic vision, in Zion as well as in the Diaspora. His reflections focused upon the Messianic goal of Zionists and anti-Zionists. In this way, his inclusive and critical perspective bridged between both sides. He shared Cohen's criticism on Zionism as a mere « episode » of national happiness. Concomitantly, he asked the question : what about a Zionism that refuses mere national happiness ? The present article shows Cohen's profound influence on Rosenzweig.