Kafka and Bergmann's Ideological Split

The ideological split between Franz Kafka and Hugo Bergmann emerged during their final academic year in high school. Both individuals had a shared educational background, having attended the same elementary and high schools. However, their differing political beliefs led to a significant rift. Kafka embraced socialism, while Bergmann identified as a Zionist. This divergence in ideology was marked by strong convictions, as Bergmann noted that their views were 'much too strident' for reconciliation. Kafka's commitment to socialism was symbolized by his choice to wear a red carnation to school, a gesture that openly displayed his political alignment. Bergmann, on the other hand, had adopted Zionism in 1898, a movement focused on the re-establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine. At the time, the synthesis of these two ideologies—Zionism and socialism—was not yet established, which contributed to the tension between the two friends. Their split not only reflected personal differences but also highlighted the broader ideological conflicts within the Jewish community during that period, as various factions sought to address the challenges facing Jews in Europe. This ideological divide would have lasting implications for both individuals, influencing their respective paths and contributions to their communities and beyond.