7: The Revival of Hebrew Place Names in the 20th Century: Zionism and Language Policy

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1. Introduction

The revival of Hebrew place names in the 20th century represents a significant cultural and political movement, closely tied to the rise of Zionism and the establishment of the State of Israel. This process was not merely linguistic but deeply symbolic, affirming Jewish national identity and connection to the land. This article examines the motivations, methods, and implications of the Hebrew toponymic revival during this transformative period.

2. Historical Background: Language and Nationalism

Language has long been central to national identity (Anderson, 1983). For Jews, the revival of Hebrew as a living language was integral to Zionist ideology (Spolsky, 2004). Place names, as visible markers on maps and in daily life, became key instruments for reclaiming historical narratives and asserting sovereignty.

3. The Role of the Palestine Exploration Fund and Early Surveys

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, organisations like the Palestine Exploration Fund documented place names, often recording Arabic names alongside known biblical or historical names (Conder & Kitchener, 1882). These records provided resources for later efforts to restore Hebrew names.

4. Zionist Naming Committees and Policies

Zionist leaders established committees, such as the Committee for the Designation of Place Names in the Land of Israel (founded 1920), tasked with identifying, restoring, or creating Hebrew names for towns, villages, and geographical features (Ben-David, 2002). The policy involved:

  • Restoring biblical or ancient Hebrew names where possible.
  • Translating Arabic or foreign names into Hebrew with similar meanings.
  • Creating new Hebrew names reflecting Zionist ideology and biblical heritage.

5. Symbolic and Political Significance

Restoring Hebrew place names served as a form of symbolic reclamation of the land, reinforcing Jewish historical claims and fostering national pride (Kliot, 2002). It also functioned as a political tool amid competing narratives during the British Mandate and the Arab–Jewish conflict.

6. Challenges and Controversies

The renaming process sometimes resulted in tensions with Arab inhabitants, whose place names were often replaced or marginalised (Mandel, 2016). The dual naming or contested toponyms remain a feature of the Israeli–Palestinian landscape.

7. Conclusion

The revival of Hebrew place names in the 20th century reflects the powerful interplay of language, history, and politics. It remains a vivid example of how toponymy shapes national identity and collective memory.

References

  • Anderson, B. (1983). Imagined Communities: Reflections on the Origin and Spread of Nationalism. Verso.
  • Ben-David, G. (2002). The Revival of Hebrew Place Names. Jerusalem: Magnes Press.
  • Conder, C. R., & Kitchener, H. H. (1882). The Survey of Western Palestine. Committee of the Palestine Exploration Fund.
  • Kliot, N. (2002). Place Names in Israel’s Ideological Struggle. Geographical Review, 92(2), 193–204.
  • Mandel, M. (2016). Naming and Renaming: The Politics of Place Names in Israel/Palestine. Journal of Historical Geography, 55, 54–67.
  • Spolsky, B. (2004). Language Policy. Cambridge University Press.
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