EN
This study analyses how and why did the most active Arab anti-Zionists in the pre-WWI period respond to Zionism. A rather unusual approach was chosen to accomplish this task: instead of an attempt at a flowing narrative, the historical period in questions is laid out in the form of personal profiles of half a dozen leading personalities who in one way or another dealt with various issues related to Zionism. The present study shows how these personalities responded to Zionism, Jewish immigration and land purchases, to various Zionist approaches to the coexistence with the local population, public communications and other statements of Zionists published in the press.