The Jewish state reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Jul-2004
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Jewish state

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The term "Jewish State" was used prior to the establishment of Israel to describe the future nation. In fact, the founders were debating between two names, "Israel" or "Zion", and the decision was finally made to go with "Israel" fairly late -- so late, that the first Israeli Postage Stamps, that were printed shortly before the state was announced, were issued without the name of the nation on them!