Influence of Judaism on Zionism and the Power of Israeli Orthodox Jewish Political Parties

The article outlines the importance of Judaism for the existence and development of the ideology of Zionism, which played a key role in the creation of modern state of Israel. The Jewish national movement was based on the direct relationship between nation, religion and land. Without Judaism, such a vivid political involvement of the Zionists would not have been possible. They initially developed their ideas in Europe, and in 1948, their dreams came true in the land of Zion and Jerusalem. The article also presents the political influence of religious orthodox parties in Israel. These have strong power, especially the following two parties: UTJ (United Torah Judaism) and Shas. They are both parties of Orthodox Jews from different political background, but always with desire to participate in the right wing government, which in recent years has been led by the Prime Minister and leader of party Likud, Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu. By shedding light on the influence of religious parties, the paper also indicates the wide socio-political significance of Orthodox Jews in Israel. Their number is increasing year by year, which also affects the balance of power in the 120-member parliament, the Knesset.