Many people associate the term “Zionism” only with the movement that began in the late 19th century when Jews began returning to the Land of Israel in what became known as the “First Aliya.” In truth, however, the term Shivat Tzion (returning to Zion) was first used in reference to those who returned from the Babylonian exile with Ezra and Nehemia some 2,500 years ago. Scholars have pointed out the two events share similar characteristics. In both cases, the majority of exiles did not opt to return to Israel, and most of those who did come were young, driven by idealism and without strong ties to their host countries. Indeed, history, especially Jewish history, tends to repeat itself.