Zionism is a connection to the Jewish People and the Land.
The issue with secular zionism is the weakened connection to G-d, not the positive connection to the People and Land.
Intermarriage is the moment of spiritual death, because this act severs both the connection to the People of Israel and the G-d of Israel.
Many in Europe who went for secular zionism would have otherwise gone to the Baptismal Font followed by intermarriage (R’L).