Quote:
Originally Posted by Sion
So, whats the difference between a Jew, an Israeli, a Hebrew, a Zionist, a Levite and an Israelite?
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Jew = a very confusing concept, incorporating religion, ethnicity, and culture, as others have written above far better than I ever could
Hebrew and Levite = generally considered synonyms for "Jew"
Israelite = formerly used most commonly like "Hebrew" or "Levite" as another word for "Jew". Now that the country of Israel exists, with a mostly Jewish population, it's most commonly used to refer its citizens (although, obviously, the term "Israeli" is more common). This one has more or less fallen out of everyday usage
Zionist = someone who supports the (formerly establishment) existence of a Jewish state, usually as a matter of Jewish pride/self-governance/religious belief. It's more a political position than anything else. Many Jews are not Zionists, and many non-Jews are.