Of course Zionism was ethnocentric (though Herzl envisioned it as becoming a place where other unfortunates in the world could find a shelter). It was trying to find a solution for a problem which did exist and nothing else worked. They tried assimilating which just led to modern Anti-Semitism. The problem existed and just pretending it didn't would help no one. That's sheer naivete. Part of Herzl's reasoning was that wherever Jews went Anti-Semitism would follow. So no use emigrating. You needed a place to call your own. Of course it would be wonderful if we could live without boundaries, but realisticaly it won't happen. You would feel differently if you were homeless. Is it better to just drift between one flat to another, or to own your own house?