Why did Martin Buber become interested in Zionism?

Martin Buber’s interest in Zionism was significantly influenced by the philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche. Specifically, Buber was drawn to Nietzsche’s critique of modern culture and his call for a return to one's roots, which resonated with the Zionist movement's pursuit of a more wholesome culture.1

While Buber became an active participant in the movement—even serving briefly as editor of the Zionist weekly Die Welt—his vision differed from that of Theodor Herzl. Whereas Herzl prioritized diplomacy to secure a Jewish homeland through public law, Buber advocated for spiritual renewal and immediate agricultural settlement in Palestine. He maintained a lifelong commitment to Zionism, though he often stood in opposition to official party and state policies, consistently advocating for Jewish-Arab cooperation and the formation of a binational state.1