Emil CIORAN analyzes the oppositions between the Jewish and Arab peoples.

Emil CIORAN

Autograph letter signed to Gabriel Matzneff.

One and a half pages in quarto.

Paris. November 4, 1971.

"Zionism is much more than a mistake; it is a tragic adventure, a contemporary variety of an ancient curse."

The philosopher gives his point of view on the oppositions between the Jewish and Arab peoples after reading his correspondent's work, The Arab Notebook.

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“Dear Sir, I was very pleased to see that you like Byron (the man rather than the poet) and that you have the courage—today!—to defend Cicero, whom I also admire, and whose ‘ lack of character ’ strikes me as very modern. Like you, I have studied the Roman historians extensively, Tacitus above all, and I subscribe to Hume’s judgment that he is ‘ the most profound mind of Antiquity .’ Your book [The Arab Notebook] greatly interested me, but I regret that you have taken sides. I agree with you whenever you seem conflicted, undecided, torn.”

The pages that held my attention most were those where a certain sympathy for the Jews shines through. Their case seems to me incomparably more complex, more pathetic than that of the Arabs. Zionism is much more than a mistake; it is a tragic adventure, a contemporary manifestation of an ancient curse. One cannot remain indifferent to it.

It must also be added that all these Arab peoples would have become completely apathetic, were it not for the salutary humiliation that Israel inflicted upon them. Perhaps even Israel's mission was simply to awaken them and then suffer the consequences of that awakening. Wherever they may be, the destiny of the Jews is to be defeated and to survive their defeat. Soloviev's prediction remains true: you are no doubt aware that on his deathbed his last prayer was offered for the Jews, because, he explained, of the great suffering that awaited them. Perhaps we could discuss these matters another time? Yours sincerely, Cioran.