Ü Sonderausgabe 2010 B E R 110

1897 ILLUSTRIERTE 2007 JAHRE

GEGRÜNDET 1897 VON THEODOR HERZL

Theodor Herzl 150th Birthday 2. 5. 1860 3. 7. 1904

e should all just convert to enough to from his "a new blossoming of the Jewish spirit." Christianity.” A student giving turn him into fraternity for During his visit to Palestine in 1898, he Wthis answer to a teacher asking a Jewish anti- standing up arrived in Jerusalem late on a Friday. how to solve the problem of anti-Semitism hero, there is Herzl’s against its anti- Though ill and suffering from exhaustion, would undoubtedly be dismissed as a smart- declaration that in the Semitic tendencies. he nevertheless walked the great distance aleck. new state he envisioned, "We When he had yet to establish to his hotel so as not to contravene the laws Even if his name was Theodor Herzl? shall keep our rabbis within the confines of himself as a writer, he refused the offer of of the Sabbath. Whatever other This, in fact, is precisely how the their synagogues…” a prominent editor in Vienna to publish his considerations may have influenced him, visionary of the Jewish state first thought But to portray Herzl as anything other manuscript if he would only agree to adopt this decision also evidences a growing to put an end to the phenomenon: "In than an ardent defender of the Jewish faith a pen name less Jewish than his own. And respect for Jewish tradition that fully broad daylight, at twelve o'clock on a with a deep affinity to the Land of Israel even his plan for mass conversion would matured by the time he published Sunday, the exchange of faith would take would be to do him a terrible injustice, involve only the very young, thus making Altneuland in 1902. In it, the hero of the place in St. Stephen's Cathedral, with drawing conclusions about the man on the it "honorable, inasmuch as the leaders of novel - and Herzl's alter ego – gazes upon solemn parade and the peal of bells," he basis of isolated snapshots of his life taken this movement – myself in particular – the eternal capital of the Jewish people for wrote in his diary, recording his earliest out of context, rather than appreciating the would remain Jews…” the first time. "'Jerusalem!' cried Friedrich thoughts on the subject. continuum and complexity of his personal In any case, early in his short Zionist in a half-whisper, his voice trembling. He No less bizarre is that initially Herzl was journey. career, the "push” of anti-Semitism that did not understand why the sight of this not terribly bothered by the scourge of The profundity of Herzl’s meta- propelled Herzl from a trajectory of strange city affected him so powerfully… Jew-hatred, and even held his His eyes overflowed… and the brethren partially accountable hot tears coursed slowly down his for its occurrence and went so cheeks." far as to assert that there was a HERZL’S JEWISH JOURNEY Herzl writes in a similar vein of positive dimension to it. "In the Friedrich’s Passover experience Ghetto we have taken on a DAVID BREAKSTONE*) in Tiberias: "One guest at the number of anti-social Seder table pronounced the characteristics. Our character has been morphosis is perhaps best revealed in his engagement with gentile society to an Hebrew words of the Haggadah with the damaged by oppression and must be autobiographical short story, The obsession with creating a Jewish one, zeal of a penitent. He was finding himself repaired through some other sort of Menorah. "Deep in his soul he began to became coupled with the "pull” of Judaism again, and his throat was often so tight pressure…" Anti-Semitism, he believed in feel the need of being a Jew…" Herzl as a source of inspiration. The examples with emotion that he had to master his his pre-Zionist days, would serve that writes of the protagonist, who had long are many. longing to cry out aloud." purpose. ceased to feel any connection with his Following the First Zionist Congress, The antecedent of these sentiments can Such references account for the forebears, until, because of incessant anti- Herzl wrote in his diary of being called to be found in an autobiographical sketch he accusations hurled against Herzl that he Semitism "he now did something he could the Torah on the Shabbat preceding it: published in 1898, recalling his earliest was concerned merely with the not have done in the old days – he began to "When I stood on the bima I was more memories of the Jewish elementary school preservation of Jewish bodies and not with love his Judaism with an intense fervor." moved than on any of the days of the he attended, which "center around the the Jewish soul. Add to this that in his Such a statement suggests that Herzl’s Congress. The few words of the Hebrew thrashing I got because I could not recall seminal work Der Judenstaat he suggested transformation was not only rational but blessing choked my throat with emotion." all the details of the Exodus from Egypt. that the Jewish state might be established in emotive as well. In fairness, however, it In his opening address to the Congress Today there are many schoolmasters who Argentina, and that a few years later he need be recorded that even "in the old he declared that "Zionism is a return to the would like to thrash me because I proposed the Uganda option be explored, days” when he was not actively involved Jewish fold even before it is a return to the remember them too well." and it is not difficult to understand why his in Jewish life, Herzl consistently carried Jewish land,” and later asserted that the These are but a few of the many examples detractors accuse him of lacking Jewish his Jewish identity with steadfastness and Jewish people did not merely aspire to testifying to Herzl’s conscious return to his sensibilities. And as if all this were not pride. As a student, he was expelled settling on Jewish soil, but sought as well To be continued page 3 PUBLISHER AND EDITOR IN CHIEF DR. JOANNA NITTENBERG

DR. DAVID BREAKSTONE We express our appreciation to FOUNDING DIRECTOR OF THE HERZL CENTER IN JERUSALEM and Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael CHAIRMAN OF ITS EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. Israel Ministry of Diaspora Affairs his special edition honoring Theodor thoroughly appreciated through the vast and THerzl’s 150th birthday was produced in range of articles, often authored by such collaboration with the Department for renowned writers as Martin Buber and Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs Zionist Activities of the World Zionist Achad Haam. How did Jewish thinkers, Organization. how did Theodor Herzl himself perceive his for their support of the On the initiative of Dr. David Breakstone, times ? With contributions by Zionism’s Journey in Herzl's Footsteps Head of the Department for Zionist most illustrious proponents, such as Max Activities, World Zionist Organization, a Nordau, Franz Oppenheimer, Berthold and this special supplement of trip was organized which followed Theodor Feiwel and many more, the editions of the Illustrierte Neue Welt. Herzl’s journey - from Paris through Basel, first years of the Welt afford a profound and Vienna, and Budapest, to its culmination, fascinating insight into the intellectual Editorial Board Mount Herzl. It is thus a great honor for our environment at the turn of the century. In no newspaper to co-produce this special edition other contemporary publication were DR. JOANNA NITTENBERG DR. DAVID BREAKSTONE - all the more so as the “Illustrierte Neue political events expressed with such Illustrierte Neue Welt World Zionist Organization Welt“ was founded by Theodor Herzl. authenticity. Launched on June 4, 1897, Die Welt served A detailed account of the newspaper’s initially as a journalistic outlet to promote changing destinies, from its origins to the the First Zionist Congress. Theodor Herzl, present day can be found in the book an acclaimed journalist and writer in his “Wandlungen und Brüche – von der Welt time, was not allowed to express his Zionist zur Illustrierten Neuen Welt“ (Rifts and convictions in the Neue Freie Presse, even Transformations – from the “Welt“ to the as one of its prominent staff-writers and “Illustrierte Neue Welt“). reporters. The editor-in-chief, Moritz Benedikt, an assimilated Jew, feared that Today, one of the newspaper’s special such "sectarian” ideas would only increase aspirations is to resuscitate the memory of the pronounced anti-Semitism already forgotten or undiscovered artists and prevalent in Austria. authors whose life and work was altered or Herzl founded the newspaper under great disrupted in the wake of the Holocaust. time pressure and financial constraints. Several generations of German speaking Besides advancing Herzl’s Zionist ideas the Jews worldwide view the “Illustrierte Neue paper aimed also to be a forum where Welt“ as a precious source of information Jewish problems and possible solutions on Jewish affairs in Austria, be it on could be presented. The question of Jewish contemporary or historical issues. Reports identity was a recurrent theme discussed in on Israel and expert analysis of the Middle the Welt, where arguments between cultural East are the publication’s main focus. In and political Zionists loomed large. This terms of audience and content, the paper’s multi-faceted subject, a topic of heated implicit mission is to function as a bridge - debate among Jews for over a century which between Diaspora and Israeli Jews as well even now retains its relevance, can be as the Jewish and the non-Jewish world.

DR.ARIEL MUZICANT AVIV SHIR-ON PRESIDENT OF THE JEWISH COMMUNITIES AMBASSADOR OF THE STATE OF ISRAEL IN AUSTRIA OF AUSTRIA his year the State of Israel is ability to persuade Tcelebrating 62 years of independence, others. He was yet the idea of an independent Jewish state able to create an has existed for thousands of years. It began idea and a when the children of Israel accepted the movement that belief in one God and established the grew and gained Kingdom of Israel, where King David influence and made Jerusalem the national and religious became the most important factor in the capital of the Jewish people. History, establishment of the State of Israel. The however, led to the destruction of that Holocaust was a tragic catalyst of this Kingdom and to the exile of its people. process, but it is amazing how accurate Throughout the years, little was done to Herzl’s prediction was some 45 years achieve the dream of a national revival before the Shoah, when he said in Basel in apart from praying "next year in 1897 that in 5, 10 or 50 years an ON MAY 2ND 2010 WE COMMEMORATE THE Jerusalem”. independent Jewish state would be created. The new, independent State of Israel is And it was exactly 51 years later, in 1948, TH 150 BIRTHDAY OF THEODOR HERZL. one of the greatest success stories of the that the independence of the State of Israel 20th century, one we all are proud of. But was proclaimed. orn in Budapest, Herzl lived most of his life in Vienna. It was this city of "the fin this story actually started back in the 19th As someone who was born in the free Bde ciecle” with 175.000 Jews from all corners of the Austrian-Hungarian Empire, century when people of vision and Jewish state and who had the privilege to which influenced his development from a journalist to a driven fighter for the initiative understood that in order to fulfill represent the State of Israel as ambassador establishment of a new Jewish homeland. It was also the city of Sigmund Freud, the hope of resurrection in Eretz Israel, the in Switzerland and does so now in Austria Arthur Schnitzler, Gustav Mahler, but also of Adolf Hitler, Karl Lueger (the anti- Jewish people has to be more politically - the two countries that played an Semitic mayor of Vienna) and Schönerer. active and at the same time had to inhabit important role in the life of Herzl, and Herzl, an assimilated Jew, witnessed the Dreyfus affair in Paris to become the and build the historic home-land. There therefore have a place of honor in the founder of the new Zionism. He created the idea of the Jewish return to its spiritual and were quite a few of them, and we must be annals of the Zionist movement - I thank physical roots, the emancipation of the Jewish people. grateful to those who founded Petah-Tikva and cherish Herzl. Today, in a world where Israel’s enemies try more and more to delegitimize the right and Rosh-Pina, Tel Aviv and Deganya, but Theodor Herzl, an assimilated European of the Jewish people to live in their land of Israel, it is important to repeat the fact that more than anybody else we need to but proud Jew, proved how one person of Israel is and has for more than three thousand years been the physical and spiritual acknowledge Binyamin Ze’ev Herzl, the vision, conviction and determination can home of the Jewish people. Jewish journalist from Vienna and the change the course of history. The same Thanks to Herzl and his colleagues, thanks to millions of Jews who have since initiator of Zionism, the political national way the "Illustrierte Neue Welt”, the paper immigrated to the Jewish State, Israel is today the home to 7,2 million people and since liberation movement of the Jewish people that was founded by Herzl as "Die Welt”, 62 years the center of the Jewish world. in modern times. He practically created the has continued for 113 years to deal with State of Israel back in 1897 and also issues that are important to the Zionist founded the newspaper "Die Welt” which movement and the Jewish people, Israel was transferred into "Illustrierte Neue will continue Herzl’s vision of an Welt” you are holding now in your hands. independent, strong and prosperous Jewish Theodor Herzl was a man of vision, but state that hopes to realize the peace that he he also had the courage to act and the envisaged in the near future. Page 3 150th Birthday HERZL’S JEWISH TIMETABLE JOURNEY THEODOR HERZL roots that are strangely ignored by those who maintain that he was estranged from his 1860 2.5. born in Budapest. heritage and really not at all interested in a 1866 Jewish Elementary School in Jewish state, but rather a state for the Jews Pest. that would be thoroughly cosmopolitan in its 1870 High School in Pest. orientation. Again, they make reference to only one aspect of the New Society he 1875 Protestant School. describes in Altneuland: "In the middle of 1878 Death of his sister Pauline. agreat square was the splendid Peace Palace, The family moved to Vienna. where international congresses of peace- Inscription att the University in lovers and scientists were held, for Jerusalem Vienna - faculty of law. was now a home for all the best strivings of 1880 First comedy – the human spirit: for Faith, Love, "Kompaniearbeit”. Knowledge." But as those describing this 1881 Novel "Hagenau”. scene continue to walk, they chance upon Joins the student fraternit another façade: "What was that wonderful "Albia”. (Studentenverbindung) structure of white and gold...? It is the 1882 Comedy "Causa Hirschkorn”. Temple! The ancient prophecies had been First confrontation with fulfilled... Once more the pillars of bronze antisemitism. Leaves "Albia”. stood as in the olden days, when Solomon 1883 Doctorate of law from the was king in Israel." But Herzl wasn’t University of Vienna. Work at satisfied with reconstructing the Temple; he court. was careful to make sure it would not stand 1885 Freelance author. empty: "Slowly and peacefully the Sabbath 1886 Journeys to Berlin, Normandy, fell upon the bustling city. Throngs of Italy. worshipers wended their way to the 1884-1887 "Tabarin”, Temple… there to pray to the God Whose banner Israel have borne throughout the "Muttersöhnchen”, "Seine world for thousands of years." Hoheit”, "Der Flüchtling”, These are not the words of a confirmed "Neues von der Venus”, "Buch secularist, detached from his Judaism. der Narrheit”, "Wilddiebe”. DEAR THEODOR HERZL, Furthermore, they constitute only one of 1889 25.6. Married Juliane Naschauer. numerous references to a society infused s it is impossible to put into words the impact you have had 1890 Production of "Flüchtling” and with Jewish values. Perhaps the most on the Jewish people, I will limit myself to the direct "Die Künstler” at the Burgtheater. A sympathetic, wise and beloved character in impact you had on my family and all that has transpired from 1890 29.3. Birth of his daughter the book is the revered Rabbi Shmuel, Pauline. that. I grew up after you passed from this world on the lap of among the leaders of the community who 1891-1895 Paris correspondent for your legacy, your vision. enjoin its members to take every measure to "Neue Freie Presse”. Your picture hung impressively on the wall of our family living ensure that "the stranger will feel 1891 10.3. Birth of his daughter Trude. room as well as in my father's famous Geneva office. Inspired comfortable among you” and warn them that 1894 Dreyfus trial. Play "Das Neue by your vision, my father, Chaim Pazner, instilled in us an "All you have cultivated will be worthless Ghetto”. ardent passion for Zionism and the sacred obligation to protect and your fields will again be barren, unless 1895 Essay "Das Palais Bourbon”. all Jews. The first to hear of Hitler's 'final solution', my father you also cultivate freedom of thought and passed on the news and began rescuing French, Dutch, Impressions from the French expression, generosity of spirit, and love for Hungarian and Polish Jews. parliament. humanity.” Taking my father's example, I have devoted my life to serving the State of Israel as a May – letter to Baron Hirsch. There is much in these words that echoes diplomat, first as Israel's Ambassador to Italy and then to France, and later as World Chairman First activity concerning the admonition of the Biblical prophets. of Keren Hayesod – UIA. In this position, I tried to follow your example and do my best to Zionism. Herzl, as did Moshe, felt it imperative to help the Jewish people and build the State of Israel. impress upon those he was leading that the 1896 "Der Judenstaat”. May your vision of a Jewish State in the land of Israel live on for all future generations. promise of the Promised Land is conditional, 1897 4. 6. Founded the newspaper " With my admiration and thanks, the condition being the worthiness of the Die Welt”, editor his brother in Amb. Avi Pazner World Chairman, Keren Hayesod – UIA society created within it. When he wrote that law Paul Naschauer. the New Society need keep its rabbis "within 29.8. First Zionist Congress the confines of their synagogues" he was in Basel. DEAR BINYAMIN ZEEV HERZL, referring to the necessity of keeping them 1898 26.8. Second Zionist Congress in our character and actions have constantly inspired me and from meddling in politics, not from raising Basel. October – journey to issues of morality in public discourse. To the thousands of young Jewish leaders throughout the world. Palestine. Y extent that Altneuland reveals Herzl's true Already at a very young age, you wrote about the greatness of our 2. 11. Audience with wishes, it is apparent that he related to Kaiser Wilhelm. people, and explained that only such a tremendous people could Israel's spiritual leaders as his natural allies 1899 Third Zionist Congress, Basel. weather the storms of time and survive. when he declared before the Zionist 1900 Fourth Zionist Congress, You transformed our thousand-year-old dreams into a political Congress that "Those of us who are today London. goal and lead the dreamers into a national political movement. Just prepared to hazard our lives for the cause 1901 26.-30. 12. Fifth Zionist like Moses you finally led your people to the Promised Land. would regret having raised a finger if we Congress Already at the age of 37 you published "Der Judenstaat", managing were able to organize only a new social in Basel. May – meeting with against all odds, to convene the first Zionist Congress one year system and not a more righteous one.” Sultan later. For young Jewish leaders living in small European Jewish Those who would yet suggest that this is Abdul Hamid. communities like myself, you've proved time and time again that all coincidental, that Herzl’s ideals 1902 "Altneuland”. what seems impossible to implement today can be realized developed independently of the Jewish tradition and without any reference to 20.5. Birth of his son Hans. tomorrow. religion, need only turn to the last page of February – journey to History proved that your diagnosis and prognosis were right; the Altneuland to be convinced otherwise. Here Constantinople. only way to ensure the existence and survival of our people was to establish an independent and sovereign state for our people, one that is strong enough in terms of its identity and culture the visitors to this flourishing, tolerant, October – meeting with harmonious society enquire of its founding Chamberlain. in order to ensure a Jewish future. As we approach your 150th birthday, your vision has became a reality that outshone all fathers as to what made its emergence 1903 Massacre in Kishinev. possible. Each answers in accordance with August – journey to Petersburg. imagination with immigrants from over 100 countries, speaking over 80 languages revitalizing the magnificence of our culture and our ancient language of Hebrew. Much, however, remains his own perspective: the reunited people, August – Sixth Zionist Congress, new means of transportation, will power, the to be done until we truly can call ourselves a "light unto the nations”, realizing the exemplary Basel. forces of nature, self-confidence… "But the society you envisioned in "Altneuland". Much remains to be done until we can re-revitalize Uganda project – separation venerable Rabbi Shmuel arose and the Zionist movement that you once founded. Either we re-think, reform, unite and de- 1904 25. 1. Audience with the Pope. proclaimed: 'God.'” Audience with politicize the WZO in accordance with your visions and principles, empowering a new These are the closing words of the novel. Viktor Emanuel III. generation of young, visionary leaders, or we'll face the tragic fragmentation and demise of They cannot be dismissed as accidental, and 11. 4. Conference – concillation. your movement. attest eloquently to the course of Herzl’s Deterioration in health. It is the duty of young Jewish leaders to draw inspiration from your character, vision and Jewish journey. actions by passing on the banner of Zionism to our children, grandchildren and Jewish 3.7. Death in Edlach., buried in *) Dr. David Breakstone is the founding director of Vienna communities around the world to ensure that your legacy triumphs during the 21st century. The Herzl Center in Jerusalem and Chairman of its 1949 his body was transferred from Daniel Schatz Executive Council. He has a doctorate from Vienna to Jerusalem. Daniel Schatz serves as President of the Zionist Federation of Sweden and is the youngest serving President Hebrew University in Israel education and heads of a Zionist Federation. He is a board member of the World Confederation of United Zionists and a the Department for Zionist Activities of the World Substitute Member of the WZO Vaad Hapoel. Zionist Organization. Page 4 150th Birthday TO HERZL, OUR hile the different Haredi political travels became familiar both with the A HOM INSPIRATION. Wparties presently participate to dreadful poverty and living conditions varying degrees in Israeli government, of the Jews in Eastern Europe and DEAR THEODOR, they are not as fully involved in the Herzl's political Zionism. As a result, HERZL'S TOUR Zionist movement today as they were he determined to meet with the author ou willed it. And here it is: The modern when the State of Israel was of The Jewish State, for reasons (26.10. 1898 – 4 YJewish state, in all its addictive, relentless established. In 1947, Agudat Israel described by his son: n October complexity and wonder. arrived at an arrangement with the "And when he saw that poverty was From the four corners of the earth we have Jewish Agency that allowed it to spreading among the Jews, and the O26th, 1898, congregated, and achieved the vision that only the participate fully in the national spirit of Judaism was on the wane, this Herzl arrived in most optimistic – only you and believers like you - leadership, and its representative, Rabbi distressed him sorely. And when the Eretz Yisrael, - could have hoped to realize. Yitzhak Meir Levin, even signed the Zionist idea was published, he firmly heading a small We have revived our ancient homeland and Declaration of Independence and supported it… Therefore he was very Zionist retooled our served as Minister of Welfare until disappointed when he saw that the God- Haya Harel delegation. His ancient language. resigning in 1952. Against this fearing Jews, who were the most purpose was to We have fashioned background, I would suggest that an important part of the nation, opposed hold a diplomatic meeting with Wilhelm II, the a refuge where investigation of the history of the Zionist Movement. For this reason German Emperor, then touring Turkey and the Holy Jews can determine cooperation between the Haredim and he visited the home of the Zionist Land with the aim of fortifying Germany's influence in their own destiny, the Zionist Movement would reveal a leader Dr. Herzl, when he was in the East. En route, Herzl's delegation made a stopover and made it so story of missed opportunities that are Vienna in 1909." in Constantinople, where he held a preliminary attractive that Jews regrettable. There was a time when the Gliksman himself transcribed his audience with the Kaiser. They discussed Herzl's live here by choice, leaders of the Haredi public could have meeting with the founder of the Zionist proposal to establish a Jewish Charter Company in the not just by need. participated in the Zionist revolution movement as follows: We have defied this Land of Israel, under Germany's sponsorship. While promised land’s and influenced the masses of Haredi Gliksman: "You Zionist leaders are Herzl departed from him much encouraged, the lack of natural Jews to join the Zionist Movement and working for the Jewish people. definitive meeting was scheduled for Jerusalem. resources by exploiting the limitless resource of even immigrate to Palestine before the Therefore it is your duty to proceed in Herzl's ten day tour of Eretz Yisrael would be his one our own innovation and determination. And we Holocaust. the way prepared for you by our holy and only visit here and became central in its impact on have survived despite the best efforts of our The Haredi reaction to Zionism in the Torah… You have the duty to go to the his Zionist vision and focusing his activity towards it. neighbors to throttle us. late 19th century, however, was elders of Israel, and because the What did Herzl see in Palestine of 1898? What were You should be proud. distrustful and hostile. The great majority of the Jewish people are in his impressions of the country and its residents? How Our establishment has not cured anti-Semitism, Hovevei Zion leaders, such as Pinsker, Russia, therefore, Sir, you must first go exactly did his physical encounter with the place as you had hoped it would. The disease went into influence his perceptions and vision? remission after the horrors of the Nazi era, but it HAREDIM AND THE ZIONIST has re-emerged now, metastasized as hysterical Aliyah (immigration to Israel) and opposition to the existence of a Jewish nation. MOVEMENT: MISSED OPPORTUNITIES Settlement Ironic, isn’t it? You had imagined that if we Herzl's political Zionist perception was that the were able to shed our dependence on the DR. MOTTIE FRIEDMAN Jewish People's hardship would be resolved by the indulgence of other nations, and were permitted to Lilienblum, and Smolenskin, were to the Jewish metropolis in that establishment of a Jewish State, secured by take ourselves off to our historic territory to assert scholarly and erudite, and their national country... and also in Poland… Do this our own nationhood, we would gain a new awakening derived from their [and] God will give you success and international agreements. Although his book of the international acceptance. Instead, in the bitter recognition of the failure of the you will acquire the approval of the same name proposed two alternative territories for the tradition of distortion and misrepresentation that Emancipation. Their Zionism did not great rabbis. Then we can really hope envisioned Jewish sovereignty – Israel or Argentine – you encountered when covering the Dreyfus trial develop for religious reasons and was that, with the grace of our Creator… all by April 1896 (two months after its publication), Herzl in Paris more than a century ago, our battle to not oriented to the messianic the Jewish people will be with us. was utterly convinced that, "the masses do not wish to survive against ruthless enemies in a vicious redemption of the people, but rather to Herzl: "You are quite right… but I go anywhere except the Land of Israel, and there, they region is misportrayed and misinterpreted – and political redemption which would will be able to do so only after we yearn to go with all their soul". now, as then, ordinary people, misled by those release the Jewish people from the obtain a permit from the Russian Herzl's position on migration and the already who are dishonest, are steered toward mistaken travails of the Diaspora. government to hold Zionist meetings existing settlements were integral to his overall conclusions that threaten our wellbeing. For the Haredim, however, there." political program: Although opposed to ongoing Zionism didn’t kill off anti-Semitism. It merely redemption is supposed to be immigration prior to the attainment of legal sanctions, prompted a new pernicious outgrowth: anti- Gliksman: "I do not believe that we miraculous and any human initiative to he nonetheless advocated enhancing existing Zionism. will obtain this permit, because our settle the Land of Israel, except for settlement. All these decades later, many of the frustrations supreme government has forbidden all and challenges you felt when you sat at your purposes of praying and learning Torah peoples under its rule to hold meetings Herzl maintained a multi-faceted relationship with typewriter – the anger at the skewing of truth, the in order to hasten the redemption was and I do not believe that it will make an various circles in the Land of Israel even prior to his determination to correct the record, and the desire prohibited - particularly if carried out exceptional allowance for us, the Jews. arrival there. He corresponded with many people living to engineer changes for the better – are shared by by Jews who are not Torah-observant. Herzl: …there is nothing to prevent there and received visitors from Palestine in his Vienna your successors at their 21st century keyboards. They therefore saw Zionism in the the honorable rabbis from Russia from home, establishing a contact network of 'reporters' who You used your newspaper, Die Welt, to share same way that they had previously seen coming to Basel. Why do they oppose constantly updated him on events. His visit to Israel in and advance the bold ambitions of the Zionist idea. the Enlightenment and the Reform the Zionist Movement? Do we not wish person, however, enabled him to form his own My colleagues and I try to use ours, The Jerusalem movement, i.e. a threat. to help those who are dying of hunger impressions of Jewish settlement in the Land. Post, to explain the nuanced challenges of the There were Haredim of another kind, and our Haredi rabbis oppose us. Zionist reality – both to the Jewish nation in Zion though, Zionists including Rabbi Gliksman: "Forgive me, Sir, …if I Jaffa and the Colonies and abroad, and to those opinion-shapers and Samuel Mohilever and Rabbi Yitzchak find in myself the courage to tell you Herzl's first experience in the land and its inhabitants policy-makers who impact it. Yaakov Reines, who saw in political that you alone are guilty in this. Why was a thrilling but traumatic experience, as he We who live in the new Zion are sometimes Zionism the beginning of the did you involve the cultural issue in immediately encountered "poverty and misery" in the intolerant and shrill, sometimes our own worst redemption and worked very Zionism?..." form of a long-neglected Jaffa. From there he traveled enemies. Freed of the need for self-effacement and energetically for it, or alternatively did Herzl: "Our movement does not to the "renowned Mikveh Israel school" and the unity when minority guests in someone else’s land, not see any harm in Zionism that came have any concern at all with religious colonies of Rishon LeZion, Ness Ziona and Rehovot. empowered as a majority, we can be violent and to alleviate the tribulations of the matters and our sole wish is to help our This was Herzl's opportunity to subject his views on uncompromising toward each other. But we are Diaspora. They were attacked by others wretched, persecuted and poor the existing settlements to a reality test. His attitude to also capable of the most remarkable selflessness who made serious and bizarre brethren, to prepare for them a place the colonies was ambivalent: on the one hand, he and generosity. accusations against Herzl. Primarily where they can live in peace and earn objected to philanthropy, administration through Ultimately we are a family, a faith, a nation. they described him as an assimilated their living honorably in the land of our patronage, and the lack of advance planning which he And we insist on surviving. Jew whose his only wish was to forefathers. And if despite all our acts felt characterized both Baron de Rothschild's colonies We have survived a war of one kind or another conspire against the Jewish heritage at least once a decade. We survived a strategic and fulfillment of promises the and the Zionist pioneer settlements; on the other, he and the rabbis. onslaught of terrorism not long ago – designed to Haredim in Russia do not believe in us, regarded them as empirical experimental stations for Those who hurled such accusations force us to abandon this land and go live do they not have for this a satisfactory, examining existing human resources and the country's against Herzl, however, did not really elsewhere. Now we must survive and morally easy and very simple suggestion: let the development potential. know what his opinion of the rabbis overcome new types of warfare unthinkable in Haredi rabbis come to Basel to the Rishon LeZion – held to be "the jewel of the new was. In this respect, the story of your era – facing enemies who fire at our civilians meeting as a group and en masse, so Jewish colonies" – was to Herzl only a symbol of Avraham Zvi Gliksman is instructive from behind their civilians, and then cry foul to the that they will have a decisive majority Baron Rothschild's patronage, while Rehovot and demonstrates the great missed at the meeting, then they will be able to international community when we fire back. And constituted a genuinely independent settlement. In looming in the distance is another existential opportunity regarding cooperation do all that they wish. Indeed, to sit at Rishon LeZion, indeed, Herzl found affirmation of his enemy, seeking terrifying weaponry to dominate between the Haredim and the Zionist home calmly, tranquilly and fundamental premise – that national colonization this region and wipe out our fragile restoration of Movement in Herzl's time. complacently, while our own brethren would do better not to rely on philanthropy but, rather, Jewish self-determination. Gliksman was a contemporary of are beaten and persecuted… How is it on extensive planning and labor. He wrote about the That, too, we will survive. The Jewish people Herzl, a devout Haredi who frequented possible to sit and do nothing when extent to which, "the fear of Monsieur le Baron hovers will not easily relinquish this reborn homeland. the Kotzk and Gur courts, a scholar Jews are in trouble? Is this love of over everything. The poor colonists have swapped one You willed it. We insist upon it. knowledgeable in the ways of the fellow Jews? Will this also be called David Horovitz world. He was a merchant, and on his worship of the Creator?" fear for another". The writer is editor of “The Jerusalem Post“ In Ness Ziona Herzl was received with great Page 5

and bar all vehicular traffic inside it: only places of worship and philanthropic ELAND VISIT institutions would be permitted to remain inside the old walls. And the wide circle of OF ERETZ YISRAEL surrounding hillsides which would turn green under our hands, would be the location of a 1.1898) glorious New Jerusalem."

enthusiasm, but that visit did not impress him The interview with the Kaiser greatly. In relation to Rehovot, however, he On November 2nd 1898, the Kaiser was overwhelmed with genuine excitement, received the Zionist delegation led by Herzl at "About twenty young fellows who put on a his Jerusalem encampment. At the brief kind of show, lustily singing Hebrew songs meeting, the Kaiser withdrew his earlier and swarming about our carriage… our eyes political promises and Herzl sensed filled with tears when we saw those fleet, fundamental change of policy position since daring horseman into whom our young their encounter in Constantinople. trouser-salesmen can be transformed…" was later found that none of the film frames Fortress of Zion and David's Citadel are Nonetheless, Herzl recorded the meeting in On Friday morning, after his 2 day visit to had captured both men together, a creative magnificent". his diary, commenting that, "this brief the colonies, Herzl returned to Mikveh Israel, photo-montage became the only testimony for Herzl spent 5 days in Jerusalem in reception will be preserved forever in the to participate in the welcoming of the German posterity of Herzl's meetings with the German anticipation of his forthcoming appointment history of the Jews, and it is not beyond the Kaiser. Kaiser during his journey to Eretz Yisrael. with the German Emperor, time which he realms of possibility that it will have historic dedicated to touring the city, visiting David's consequences, too." The Meeting in Mikveh Israel Jerusalem Citadel, the Western Wall, Bikkur Cholim Indeed, while Herzl did not accomplish his Herzl's brief encounter with the Kaiser at Herzl arrived in Jerusalem late on Friday Hospital, the synagogues in the Jewish intended diplomatic goal, his audience with Mikveh Israel – although reduced to a mere afternoon, October 28, 1898, just as the Quarter, the " Tombs of the Kings", and the the Kaiser was of great importance: Herzl had discussion of the heat – created immense Sabbath descended upon the city. To avoid Mount of Olives. been received as the representative of the excitement and left an indelible impression on desecrating the Sabbath, he walked for over During these tours he managed to study the Jewish People by the ruler of a world power everyone present: the German Emperor had half an hour from the train station to his hotel. city, together with its potential and centrality such as Germany, to whom he had declared halted his horse, in order to exchange words Despite his exhaustion, Jerusalem, "with its to his program, and sketch an outline of his his people's right to self determination in with the leader of the Zionist Movement! The skylines by filmy moonlight, made a powerful plan for its development: Eretz Yisrael. This constituted the first real event was photographed – however, when it impression on me. The silhouette of the "I would separate the old city with its ruins achievement in all his diplomatic maneuvers to place the Jewish question on the world agenda and thus transform it into a political the Jewish people. Every Jew numerous internal struggles sovereignty and government issue. will be entitled to immigrate to it, concerning the image of the procedures; the State of Israel is After his audience with the Kaiser, Herzl the official language there will be Zionist Movement and the image not merely a country out of the visited Motza – a neighboring settlement – Hebrew and the Jewish people of the state in the making. In this list of countries. The Jewish where he also planted a cypress tree. Next will conduct its life there, but its context, at the Zionist Congress people has returned to its land morning he returned to Jaffa, from where he nature will not necessarily be of 1902, already at its inception, after two millennia, by virtue of sailed back to Europe two days later, aboard a Jewish. On the other hand, a a great and open dispute broke its historic right to Israel, which ramshackle freighter exporting oranges. Jewish state includes not only out on the question of culture and was promised to us in the sovereign territory but also the education. Known as the cultural Covenant made with Abraham Jewish nature, which is also controversy, this dispute could (brit bein habetarim) and Epilogue subject to very broad have split the Zionist Movement. therefore the delicate balance Herzl's encounter with Eretz Yisrael and its interpretation. Some of the Zionists who must be found between Israel as inhabitants left an indelible mark on him, just In the Declaration of belonged to the Haskalah a democratic state and Israel as a as it did on the many people he saw or met Independence the State of Israel Movement argued that the Jewish state. There is no dispute with during the tour. His charismatic he definition of the State of personality and leadership created a profound Israel as a democratic was defined as a "Jewish state in Zionist Movement should work over the private domain where a T the land of Israel". However, its to renew Judaism culturally and man can do as he wishes; the impression wherever he visited – together Jewish state was officially with a growing and marked sense that the introduced in 1985 in an nature was never legally defined impart a secular national culture disagreements concern only the Jewish People had finally found a deserving amendment of a basic law. The (and of course the word according to the Zionist public domain. What will the leader. meaning of the expression is democratic does not appear). Movement, which would be the Jewish street be like? What will The visit reinforced Herzl's own connection controversial. As regards the If we look at the state of affairs factor unifying all the Jews be its nature on the official day of to the Eretz Yisrael, impacting on him both concept of a democratic state the in the State of Israel today, instead of religion which for rest, the Sabbath day which, rationally and emotionally, in terms of the differences of opinion are not certainly it can be defined with centuries had been the main and according to religious belief, is a great and there is a consensus on both meanings. Indeed, on the unifying element in the life of the sign between G-d and the Jewish centrality of Israel and Jerusalem in his Zionist many points. However, there is people? What will the program. From then on, he channeled his widespread disagreement over foundations of the State of Israel diplomatic activity single-mindedly towards the concept of Jewish, and A JEWISH STATE be? And there are many more securing an agreement regarding the Land of various approaches have examples. This question also Israel – although he occasionally accepted developed for its interpretation. one hand, there are Jewish Jewish people. This question was applies to the education system: various tactical and operative compromises for Supreme Court President symbols that can define it as a brought to the Congress and it what are the concepts and values the sake of instituting sovereignty for the Emeritus, Justice Aharon Barak Jewish state: the Sabbath is the led Rabbi Reines to form the that a child will learn in a state Jewish People and establishing its right to self ruled that a narrow interpretation official day of rest with all the Mizrachi Party. Later, after the school? What will the attitude be determination and a state of its own. must be given to the concept of consequent implications, in the establishment of the State, to the eternal values of the The land of the past had revealed its Jewish and he even translated IDF and public institutions only fundamental questions also arose Jewish people? This does not dormant promise to Herzl, who realized that this into practical language: "the kosher food is served, marriage as to the image and nature of the contradict the need for real its human resources had the potential to create crux of this is the right of every and divorce are under the State, and these continue to this concern in maintaining the rights an infrastructure for the Zionist enterprise of jurisdiction of the rabbinical very day. of the minorities living in the Jew to immigrate to the State the future;. He saw past the harsh realities of courts only, and there are many state as regards freedom of of Israel where the Jews will be In their vision the prophets of neglect, filth, unbearable heat, anxieties and more examples. Furthermore, religion and education, each a majority, Hebrew the official Israel saw the Jewish people apprehensions that had marked his visit, to a Torah learning and prayer can be according to his own religion and language." returning to their homeland from new vision of Israel – a transformation of heard throughout Israel and faith. Theodor Herzl in his book the four corners of the earth. The both man and land – which he later religious institutions occupy an There are many questions and "The Jewish State" presented the process of the third Return to developed extensively in his utopian novel, important place. On the other Zion commenced before the as many opinions, but I believe Jewish problem and its solution, Altneuland. hand, however, there are other establishment of the Zionist that if we are willing and open- and his new look political plan In Altneuland, Herzl envisioned the future elements that make it only a Movement, but received minded, and if we demonstrate for establishment of a sovereign society of Israel as democratic and pluralistic, democratic state, and sometimes considerable impetus with its goodwill and understanding, it is state of the Jewish people with characterized by complete equality and even undermine the foundations creation. Today the State of Israel possible to bridge the differences the consent of the powers of that tolerance. Indeed, in Altneuland, Herzl – who period. The title of the book, of its Jewish nature, for instance is a sovereign state, in the family and build here a stable society in a the prevailing judicial activism; democratic Jewish state, which had clearly observed the Arab population's "The Jewish State"*), can be of nations in the world. It has an poverty during his tour of the country – interpreted in two ways and it is frequently the religious army, a police force, a will be a light unto the nations. specifically defined the Arab minority's difficult to know what Herzl establishment is prejudiced and democratic regime, an advanced We will pray to the Almighty equality of status within that "new society." intended precisely when he its Jewish nature is also impaired legal system, and of course a "Bless the State of Israel... Guide Altneuland thus represents Herzl's socio- wrote it. Did he mean a state for in many areas. There are voices state emblem and anthem, as its leaders and ministers with your political vision as the leader of the Zionist the Jews who were dispersed that advocate a state for all its well as a flag which flies on the light… and help them with Your throughout the world or did he citizens, there are people who masthead; and every Jew may good counsel" movement: in it, he presents his people with a perhaps mean a Jewish state? wish to see the state as and can come to Israel. Rabbi Yehiel Wasserman new motivating force, capable of propelling a democratic and Jewish and not model society in its historic 'chosen land' There is of course a great and The State of Israel is not just a Member of the Zionist Executive fundamental difference. Jewish and democratic. state for the Jews, as a territorial and Head of the Department for towards the development of a new ethos – one A state for the Jews means The history of the Zionist area, in which the Jewish people Religious Affairs in the Diaspora that embodies both the moral and spiritual granting sovereign territory to Movement is paved with comes together to create *) Literally: "the State of the Jews" perfection of an eternal ideal. "If you will it, it is no legend"…. 150th Birthday A JEWISH STATE OR A STATE FOR THE JEWS? Herzl's book The Jewish State (Der Judenstaat) Diaspora as a minority. In many cases, Jews significant crystallization of a national begins with the words: "The idea which I have kept their religious identity but also wished Jewish identity. In the reality in which developed in this pamphlet is a very old one: it is to attain the national identity of the majority Herzl operated he could not invest they lived among. Since Jews did not live on considerable effort on both fronts simulta- the restoration of the Jewish State." This first their own land, it was very difficult to unit neously. sentence reveals Herzl's ideological basis and Prof. Ariel Feldstein them around a single national identity. One Herzl also did not discuss the issue of the suggests his solution to "the Jewish question." of Herzl's chief opponents, Ahad Ha-am, possibility of separating the Jewish religious s a man of the nineteen century, Herzl legacy of the prophets of Israel and was not to believed that was the essential problem with identity and the national one, that is, whether Awas influenced by the fundamental be based of the age-old Jewish Halacha. Herzl's ideological plan. In his article "The a Jew could be only a religious rather than a processes occurring at the time, affecting "There need to be modern rules […] an First Zionist Congress," he discussed the national Jew. In his writing he considered the Europe in general and the Jews scattered exemplary legal system could be created, achievements of the Congress convened by approach to the foreigner living in the Jewish across it in particular. One of these processes infused with all the rightful social Herzl in Basle. "So the national solution to state "If those of a different faith, or different was the emergence of nationality, a requirements of the present." His suggestion the Jewish question no longer remained in nationality, would live among us, we would phenomenon which had budded during the for the state's symbol, the flag, expressing the the privacy of the inner circle and found it respectively protect them and grant them French revolution at the end of the 18th state's national identity and essential self in the public sphere; it was explicitly legal equal rights." According to him, the century and gained momentum with the 1848 principals, also did not derive from the Jewish communicated to the entire world, in a plain acceptance of the other was an incredibly Spring of Nations revolutions, the 1860 symbols, but rather expressed social values. I clear language – such as has never happened important, liberal and superior value, which unification of Italy and the 1870 unification imagine "a white flag, with seven golden since the people of Israel exiled from their the state of Israel could realize, creating for of Germany. This trend also evoked the stars. The white field symbolizes our pure country." According to Ahad Ha-am, only the outsiders a reality that was unlike the one question of collective identity among the new life; the stars are the seven golden hours through extended long-term educational experienced by the Jews themselves in Jews. Jews debated whether belonging to the of our working-day. For we shall march into work "the hearts would open" and Jews Europe. But he did not address the Jewish group was a matter of religious the Promised Land carrying the badge of would be able to view themselves as fundamental question, a question which in affiliation, a position that led to the use of honor." members of the Jewish nation. Before this 2010 dominates the Israeli public agenda: is expressions such as "Germans of the Jewish Herzl continued to develop these basic was achieved, the political arena should not the State of Israel the home of the Jewish persuasion," or whether it was a nationality- principals in his book Altneuland (Old New have been addressed. The establishment of a people and therefore the right of return based concept. Land), 1902, where he elaborated on and Jewish state into which Jews from the should be granted only to those proving to be According to Herzl, that sense of belonging highlighted the national aspects of the Jewish different Diasporas would gather should a part of the Jewish faith? What is the status was based on national identity. "I do not state, distinguishing between the religious have been postponed, since at the time they and rights of the "others" in it? And what believe that the question of the Jews is social identity of the Jews and their national did not view themselves as similar, besides should be written in the nationality slot the or religious […]. It is a matter of nationality identity. His ambition was that the the issue of their religious belief. identity card? Should it be "Jewish" or and in order to resolve it, we must first turn it establishment of the Jewish state would allow Consequently, "'prophets' rather than perhaps the State of Israel should recognize into an international political issue requiring Jews to behave in a "normal" manner, to 'diplomats' would save the Jews." Herzl did the existence of an "Israeli" nationality? That the attendance of civilized nations." His define themselves as a nation, and to establish not consider this substantial matter very is an essential issue which relates not only of conclusion was definite and unequivocal: a nation state would eventually become part much since he was extremely occupied with the Jews who are Israeli civilians but also to "We are a people, one people." Herzl, who of the family of nations. gaining ground in the political level. In his the relationship between them and Jews had deliberated the question of identity while In his writings, Herzl does not address the view, attaining the charter on Palestine from living in the Diaspora. We must deal with still a law student at the University of Vienna, means of crystallizing the Jewish people, the Ottoman Empire and the recruitment of this matter if we are concerned about the found a solution to it at the end of 1895. Like which over hundreds of years lived in the the European powers' support preceded fate of the Jewish people. the German, Italian and French peoples, the Jews too were a national unit. He reached this realization only after the Jews had tried to JEWISH PRIDE THROUGH EDUCATION! "assimilate everywhere among the people around us, keeping only our fathers' faith." lthough Theodor Promise, to each his own I-Pod, to each his own Jewish commitment to justice, about the Zionist Their sincere efforts to integrate into the AHerzl’s most thinkpad? zeal for egalitarianism and community, they will society among which they lived were futile. famous line was "If In Israel – as in the rest of the West -- we see understand Herzl’s vision that states: "We, in our They could not take root and although the you will it, it is no an identity crisis, a values crisis, an addiction to new society, will not measure a man by his emancipation gave them hope of fitting into dream,” the "stage the Internet, growing violence and sexual abuse, a wealth. Let us measure our fellow man by his the general society and merging with the direction” that best breakdown of families and – not surprisingly – of merits.” If the Israelis of tomorrow embrace the majority, anti-Semitism overturned their captures his world- morality. It is no coincidence that the moral crisis Jewish ethics of honesty, the Zionist ethos of attempts. "We have been loyal patriots, and in view and that we of the modern world, the meaning crisis of the modesty, they will fulfill Herzl’s ideal that modern world, emerges in the wake of the mass "politics here is neither a business nor a some places even excessively so, in vain; in Gil Troy should follow – is his character Moritz abandonment of Jewish tradition, Jewish values, profession, for either men or women. We have vain we sacrifice our lives and possessions Laschner’s line from Altneuland: "I am proud to Jewish rituals, Jewish structures, Jewish pride. We kept ourselves unsullied by that plague.” And if […] In vain we work to glorify the names of be a Jew … Because, if I were not proud, I should have created a "whatever” culture, a "why bother” the Israelis of tomorrow internalize the Jewish our birth-lands. Even if we have been residing still be a Jew. I therefore prefer to be proud." society, generations of Jewish pagans with a mass quest to fix the world by embracing tradition, the in them for hundreds of years, we are still The line still resonates because it captures the addiction to the me-me-me, my-my-my, more- Zionist dream of redemptive nationalism, they being branded as foreigners." Jews are two dimensions of modern Jewish identity – more-more, now-now-now, Mall-Mall-Mall will bury the rampant cynicism of today and agree destined to be alien in the countries where destiny and desire; the fact that those of us born shopping and leisure imperatives of the modern with Herzl that "Everything needed for the they have lived for many generations and in Jews did not choose to be Jewish and the reality making of a better world exists already.” With that some places had even preceded the arrival of that in a world of great freedom, we are all Jews- restored pride and idealism together we can "make those who now belong to the crystallizing of-choice. In other words, belonging to the Jewish Too many young Israelis the experimental land for humanity. Over national group. "The majority determines people is often the easy part, deciding what to do yonder…. On that ancient soil, Old-New-Land!" who the alien in the country is; it is a question with that heritage we choose to embrace is the today are being seduced In Altneuland, when Herzl’s character Dr. of power, like everything else in international challenge. Six decades into the existence of the Friedrich Lowenberg reaches Jerusalem he is relationships." Jewish State which Herzl envisioned, both the by the siren song of overwhelmed. "’Jerusalem!’ cried Friedrich in a This complex reality, Herzl believed, acuity of his insight and its relevance as a recipe modernity. half-whisper,” Herzl writes, "his voice trembling. compelled Jews to search for ways to for healthy Jewish living remains impressive. He did not understand why the sight of this crystallize their own national identity and to Herzl’s insight about Jewish identity applies to strange city affected him so powerfully. Was it the pave the way to the establishment of a nation the Israeli condition in the twenty-first century as world. And -- let me not overstate – while there memory of words heard in early childhood? In state. If Jews are granted sovereignty "over a well. The idealism of the first generation has are many, many blessings we enjoy of freedom, of passages of prayer murmured by his father? portion of the globe large enough to satisfy faded. The privations of the second generation comfort, of safety, of medical breakthroughs, of Memories of Seder services of long-forgotten the rightful requirements of a nation, the rest mostly have gone too (thankfully). Most of enlightenment, of prosperity, of serenity, we have years stirred in him. One of the few Hebrew we shall manage for ourselves." Herzl's today’s 2.5 million young Israelis have been born to acknowledge the mass social wreckage phrases he still knew rang in his ears: ‘Leshana reference to the establishment of a state into a Jewish State whose existence they have modernity has wrought, the many broken souls, Ha-baa be-Yerushalayim,’ – ‘Next Year in indicates that he meant a Jewish state in the always taken for granted, achieving the normalcy the many derailed lives, all our goodies, all our Jerusalem!’ Suddenly he saw himself a little boy national sense. His entire political activity Herzl promised. But too many young Israelis lack indulgences, somehow produce. going to synagogue with his father. Ah, but faith Israelis, Herzl would say, are desperately in was dead now, youth was dead, his father was was directed toward achieving that goal. the pride in Judaism, Zionism, Israel itself, Herzl dreamed they also would have – and would need of Jewish education, of Zionist education. dead. And here before him the walls of Jerusalem Regarding that state's location, Herzl said: prescribe for today. Ultimately, we can find salvation in more Jewish towered in the fairy moonlight. His eyes "Palestine is our unforgettable historical Too many young Israelis today are being education because Jewish education is not just overflowed. He stopped short, and the hot tears homeland. Its name alone might serve as a seduced by the siren song of modernity. about learning the facts but mastering life, Jewish coursed slowly down his cheeks.” mighty inspiration for our people to Especially in secular Israel, the lure of the "I” is education is not just about thinking but doing, If the Israelis of tomorrow whom we must congregate." He did not intend that new Land eclipsing the feeling of "us” that sustained us as a Jewish education is not just about understanding educate today can understand those emotions, of Israel state to restore the house of David people – and built the state of Israel. Many are the world but fixing it – Tikun Olam-- Jewish appreciate Jewish memory, feel a part of the kingdom and did not mean to build the Third entranced by the new cosmopolitanism crossbred education is not just about skill-building but Zionist narrative, and tap into the values that flow Temple; it was envisioned as a nation state with a hyper individualism, a false promise that identity-building. In short Jewish education is from those feelings, ideas, and dreams, we will where "the theocratic urges of our rabbis we can transcend national boundaries, cut values education toward pride in our heritage – thrive. But without that passion, without that would not be granted power. We would know ourselves off from tradition and simply be islands and that is the added value we so desperately need engagement with the past, without that pride in how to keep them inside their synagogues." unto ourselves, encased within our own in modern Israel today. who we were and who we can be, we will have to The legal system was not to be shaped by the technological test-tubes. Isn’t that the Apple If the Israelis of tomorrow learn about the struggle to survive – and wonder why even bother. Page 7

THE JEWISH STATE AND THE ZIONIST THE HERZL LAW MOVEMENT AS A RENEWABLE REVOLUTION ILAN SHALGI Former Member of Knesset MASHA LUBELSKY

n Basel I created the Jewish state,“ wrote successor to the leadership of the Zionist „Unless you also cultivate freedom of thought established Jewish national state. Herzl's Ithe young journalist, Binyamin Zeev Herzl, Movement, said: "We swear to you that your and expression, generosity of spirit, and love hopes that anti-Semitism would vanish from in his diary, with amazing self-possession, on name will be sanctified and remembered, for for humanity. These are the things you must the world with the establishment of a Jewish 3rd September, 1897 - two days after the as long as there remains one Jew alive on this cherish and nurture", only then will Zion truly state would, however, obviously have been closing of the Zionist Congress that he himself earth. At this difficult moment, we remind you be Zion". (Altneuland) shattered. Indeed, as time goes on, it appears initiated, staged and led. Although only 37, he of your oath in the Sixth Congress and we that the old anti-Semitic ghosts that worried rapidly became the leader and the guide whom swear it in your wake, 'If I forget thee, n those sharp words Theodor Herzl defined Herzl at the close of the 19th century have the Jews regarded as the new Moses and Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its Ithe Jewish State which took form and shape raised their heads anew - for a second and whom non-Jews named, 'the King of the Jews.' cunning'." Here, it is appropriate to reveal that in his mind's eye. This imaginary state was even a third time. Nonetheless, I believe that A mere eighteen months earlier, Herzl Jerusalem almost betrayed Herzl's supposed to apply a modern model, almost for this reason Herzl would have doubled his published the pamphlet, "The Jewish State," remembrance after the election of an ultra- utopian, of social existence. A number of efforts to remedy the flaws in the Israeli since when he had devoted his life, money and Orthodox mayor. The national memorial rather revolutionary paradigms were supposed society with respect to its moral standards, th health to the promotion of the Idea that burned ceremony in 2003 at Mt. Herzl, on the 99 to be in the framework of this model - social gaps and its treatment of minorities. The within him: the rescue of the Jewish people anniversary of Herzl's death, was not attended certainly revolutionary in terms of the obvious dictum, whereby the world judges the from its bitter fate and salvation from the by the Mayor of Jerusalem, nor did any of his accepted norms of the bourgeois world of the Jewish State more critically than it applies terrible destiny that he prophesied for the deputies lay a wreath on behalf of the City of Austro-Hungarian Empire from which Herzl criticism to itself, would have been positively future. Herzl wrote a landmark manifesto Jerusalem on the grave of the visionary of the received his values. In the first place, this acclaimed by Herzl, whose perception of the about the Jewish state, mentioning national State, alongside the wreaths of the President revolutionism was expressed by the existence Jewish world, and particularly the exilic Jew, sovereignty along the lines of 19th century of the State of Israel, the Prime Minister and of a full democracy in the Jewish State, where was no less critical than a number of the great European 'Spring of Nations'. In his book, the Knesset. I was upset that the Speaker minorities also benefit from equality and their European anti-Semites of his time. In other of the Knesset, Reuven Rivlin, and Altneuland (Old New Land), several years rights are protected. The same is written in words, Herzl would have expected modern later, he was also able to myself – the Chair- relation to women - to whom Herzl granted national Jews to conduct themselves more ride the wave of his person Knesset Com- suffrage in his vision, many years before this morally than he would have expected of the imagination and mittee for Education, right became a political reality in western ordinary person. Moral and democratic describe the life and Culture and Sport – countries – and for Arabs, who received existence were, in his view, the best remedy society that would be were the only Members complete equality of for the flaws of the created in that state of of the 16th Knesset to rights in this old-new Diaspora. the future which he participate in that Jewish state. Herzl's It is necessary that envisioned. ceremony. It pained me Herzl's hopes that anti- revolutionary thought a revolution be con- Herzl was a secular that Jerusalem, which Semitism would vanish Jew but proud of his is Zion, was apparently addressed not only stantly renewed, other- Judaism, similar to the denying the founder Arab men, but also from the world with the wise it will freeze vast majority of his of Zionism and, Arab women, whom up and be transformed supporters in the furthermore, that its he granted with full establishment of a into something else – founding years and to elected officials did political rights and a Jewish state would, something more stable contemporary Zionists not respect Herzl's status which their and less flexible that in our own time. In his memory. There and sisters do not enjoy in however, obviously have does not allow change. book, 'Der Judenstaat,' then, at Herzl's many Arab countries been shattered. When we examine the (The Jewish State) he graveside, the Bin- even today. There history of the Zionist writes explicitly, "Shall yamin Ze'ev Herzl Law were other movement from its we, then, end up by was born (the official revolutionary paradigms, intended to shape the birth to our days, this issue acquires greater having a theocracy? Herzl Memorial Day to State of the Jews, related to the education significance. As long as the movement was No! Faith unites us, mark Herzl's Heritage system, the development of advanced part of a revolutionary process that permitted knowledge makes us and Achievements, industry, as well as the moral and non-military changes, it was characterized by high levels of free. Therefore we shall Theodors Herzl’s body was transferred 2004.) essence of the future Jewish society. In Herzl's quality, morality, adherence to its goal and a from Vienna, Döblinger Friedhof, permit no theocratic The legislative process vision, this society had no racial feeling of justice. As the revolutionary process to Jerusalem. velleities on the part of in the Knesset characteristics and it assesses its members first was slowed, to the point where it has become our clergy to arise… The army and the clergy Committee for Education, Culture and Sport and foremost by universal liberal criteria, almost static today, the standards of those shall be honored to the extent that their noble was facilitated by the World Zionist rather than through a filter of ethnic origins, characteristics deteriorated to their present functions require and deserve it. But they will Organization and the Shalem Center, and saw religion, race, gender, or political opinion. unimpressive level. It might therefore be have no privileged voice in the State…, for completion when the Knesset Plenary Had Herzl lived today, how would he have logical to assume that the key to the return of otherwise they might cause trouble externally approved it in the third reading, ten days continued his Zionist drama? Whom would he the feeling of social justice, high moral and internally. Every man will be as free and before the Centennial Anniversary of Herzl's have cast as his main characters in his epic standards, together with the high quality of as unrestricted in his belief or unbelief as he is Death. The Mayor of Jerusalem indeed play that fantastically became reality in our both idea and deed is to be found in the in his nationality." Herzl knew that it was participated at the Memorial Ceremony for the lives? Would he have been disillusioned by the capacity to relaunch the Zionist revolutionary Centennial Anniversary of Herzl's death and religion that had preserved us as a people, and old-new state and work on moved on to more process. laid the wreath on behalf of the Israel's capital understood that he would need the Rabbis for (so-called) realistic lines, from disappointment It is possible that the restarting of the Zionist support of his vision, as leaders of their at the tomb of the Visionary of the Jewish in human nature? Maybe the contrary is true? revolution is no longer feasible – whether due communities. Although he did not observe State. When the Knesset passed the 'Herzl Would Herzl's utopian vision have become to the ossification of the system, educational Kashrut and Shabbat meticulously in his Law', it also decided to mark 'Herzl Day' every sharper and more radical in the face of the failures over several generations, or to private life, he had the wisdom to attend year on 10th Iyar, the date of Herzl's birthday. dangers and difficulties encountered by the paralyzing foreign influences. Nonetheless, services at the synagogue in Basle on the day Inter alia, this law determines that the Knesset Jewish State? were charismatic Herzl living among us today before the opening of the Zionist Congress; shall hold a special discussion each year to he would find the way and the words to enable and in his diary, he described the depth of mark 'Herzl Day'; it further establishes that At the core of Herzl's Zionist utopia lay a the resumption of this revolution. emotion he felt when called to the Torah. It is IDF bases and schools shall hold values-based revolutionary spirit and a desire to create new absolutely clear to the reader of the 'Der educational programs. The opening article of world agendas based on the belieft in the The Zionist drama would thus sip from the Judenstaat', 'Altneuland', and Herzl's Diaries the law defining its aims determines that it is power of an idea to change those agendas and fountain of youth, shake itself up, renew itself that the visionary of the State intended to incumbent to bequeath Binyamin Zeev Herzl’s that, "All the Deeds of men are only Dreams at and turn towards a better future, with us at its establish a state for the Jews, and not a Jewish vision, heritage, and achievements for first. And in the end, their Deeds dissolve into side. For, in the final analysis, we all have state – to found a national homeland for the generations, to commemorate him, and to dreams" (Altneuland, Epilogue). In my dramatic roles – whether as leading or minor Jewish people that was wretched because it bring about the education of future opinion, the Herzl of the 21st century would characters – in the same play composed by was dispersed among the nations, subject to generations, and the structuring of the State of continue working out of the same the visionary of the state. In this respect, discrimination, humiliation and persecution – Israel, its institutions, goals and image in revolutionary perception adapting it to the Israel's residents daily implement the famous the products of malignant anti-Semitism. accordance with his Zionist vision. Thus, we changing reality. I have no doubt that Herzl Shakespearian image - whereby "All the Before his eyes, Herzl envisioned a modern have succeeded in inscribing our appreciation would have had a more significant grasp of the world's a stage" on which we are all players - state guided by the pluralistic Jewish heritage, to Israel's founder in the Book of Laws of the centrality of the State of Israel as a State of the in the most real and profound sense. The combined with scientific development and the Jewish State, as well as the message to future Jews in relation to the worldwide Jewish renewal of the Zionist revolution would open rules of social justice. generations that David Wolffsohn's oath at Diaspora. The bitter experience of the Jews in a new act in Herzl's drama, which might even Standing by Herzl's newly dug grave at the Herzl's graveside a century earlier will be the 20th century would not have caused Herzl digress from the scope of the legend and funeral in Vienna in July 1904, David fulfilled. to lose hope: on the contrary, it would have create a reality far beyond the realms of Wolffsohn – Herzl's right-hand man and Herzliya, 31st January, 2010. strengthened his faith in the essentiality of an imagination. Page 8

ven a century Bernard Lazare. Lazare was the first person Eafter the Drey- outside Dreyfus's family who understood that fus Affair, only the this was a blood libel and launched a struggle tip of the iceberg on his behalf. Already in spring 1895 Lazare has been revealed. wrote an article called "A Judicial Error, The The fact that the Truth about the Dreyfus Case" .The article was main figures behind published only on November 1896. One of the it were never inve- issues attacked by Lazare at the beginning of stigated brought it his manifesto was the unwillingness of French to a complete end citizenry to accord Dreyfus a retrial. for ever. The affair Herzl's criticism went one step further, and took place against what Lazare said euphemistically, namely that Galya Richler-Gerbler the backdrop of the the whole world already knew the distorted rise of modern anti-Semitism in late details of the trial except for the French public, nineteenth century Western Europe. French Herzl said explicitly in his 1897 article "The Jews, which until then had believed that they Situation in France". It is not that the French were about to be integrated completely in public did not know, but that the French French society, was dismayed by the waves of people "does not want the Jewish captain's xenophobia and anti-Semitism that swept guilt still to be questionable... Everything is through their country. The country that more oriented to one purpose, to keep the Jew where than any other country professed universal he is, on Devil's Island." values of equality, fraternity and friendship, When Herzl criticised the trial he was powerless to actually apply them. criticised the fact that Dreyfus was not tried Herzl spent the years 1891-1895 in Paris as as an individual, but his trial was a trial a foreign correspondent for a Jewish-owned against the entire Jewish people. Viennese newspaper, Neue Freie Presse. "The question is: Whose sin does he bear? Reporting "the Dreyfus Affair" from this Whose? They did not scream "Shame on viewpoint was part of his work and took place Dreyfus!" but "Shame on the Jews!"... towards the end of his posting. However, Herzl was also an author, a Jew and a man Did the mob scream "Death to the who believed strongly and constantly in the Jews"? principle of justice. The degradation of Alfred Dreyfus Two questions that still constitute a bone of One of Herzl's articles, over which contention in the research world with regard academic research is divided in its attitude, to Herzl and the Dreyfus Affair are includes a sentence with which Herzl interconnected. The first is informative: did described the influence that the Dreyfus Affair SHOCKING IMPRESSION Herzl indeed hear the cry "death to the Jews" had on him. In that article, "Zionism", Herzl specified the process of his return to Judaism it and so the process of suppression will be to change in the Jewish people as expressed screamed by the Parisian mob at the and how he arrived at the Zionist solution: stronger. in his work "The New Ghetto". Yet degradation ceremony? The second question "... In truth, there is not much to be proud of Through study of Herzl's reports on the notwithstanding, in his trial it was clear to is how much the affair influenced Herzl in in the way in which we arrived at Zionism. We affair, it is possible to examine the process that Herzl that Dreyfus was not tried as an shaping an ancient idea of a 'Jewish State' were brought to it by the new enemy, by anti- he underwent during it. The arrival at the individual, but a whole nation, its past, present into an up-to-date plan of action – the Zionist Semitism, which attacked us precisely when Zionist solution was not only because of the and future, was hanging round his neck. This Movement. we were in a process of complete Dreyfus Affair, but this affair constituted the knowledge created a breaking point for Herzl In Herzl's article "Zionism", he end of the process. in his belief in the Emancipation as a solution disintegration. I still remember the impression emphasized the call of the masses: "Death to Herzl was very impressed by the figure of to the 'Jewish question'. made upon me, when in 1882, as a young man the Jews"! the accused, since he was the embodiment of Over time Dreyfus was no longer perceived I read Dehring's book on the Jewish question... Another observe in the ceremony was I think that until then I did not know at all that all Herzl's aspirations for the new Jew. He by Herzl as a private individual. Already stood upright without servility, he was during the trial he became a symbol of the Jew Maurice Paléologue. He worked in the French I was a Jew. Dehring's book acted upon me department for investigation of foreign affairs. like a punch in the stomach... Indeed from integrated in the national population in a key as a victim. The figure who seemingly function, and he took pride in and accepted his influenced Herzl's perception in this sense was Paléologue entered in his diary: "I was present such an awakening and until a conscious at the ceremony... Outside the gate... an decision, as expressed in the present Zionist Jewishness. Dreyfus was all that Herzl wished the Jewish socialist, anarchist and publicist enormous crowd… whistled and yelled: Movement, the distance is still very great. For "Death to the Jews! Death to the traitor! Death myself it took me twelve or thirteen years, and am sorry for relating this. Perhaps I may do so to Judas Iscariot!..." for two reasons: firstly, because we learn every This was also remembered by Nordau who decent thing most unfailingly from ourselves, attended the ceremony. and secondly because this is somewhat Nordau wrote in his eulogy to Herzl topical. Indeed the Dreyfus trial made me a (Basel, July 27, 1905): Zionist. Not the trial being conducted now "The streets began to resound with the in Rennes, but the original trial in Paris, echo of the shouts: "Death to the Jews"! Then which I witnessed in 1894." Herzl paid great attention. The most sensitive In fact, in his article Herzl clarified the two point of his existence - his pride - received a stages that he traversed: the first, the process rude blow." of returning to Jewish nationalism after The end of the first part of the Dreyfus reading Dehring, and the second, the fact that Affair is also the end of the course of Herzl's the new trial brought him to recognize the pre-Zionist life and the beginning of a new tremendous influence that the first trial had era for him. Seemingly all the seeds sown had on him. Just as it took him some twelve before then germinated in the spring of 1895, years to admit to himself the influence of in his work "The Jewish State". Dehring's book, so the acknowledgement of The solution that he proposed included the the shock caused to him by the Dreyfus Affair stages that he himself underwent. The first came late. The fact that he did not write about return to their nation - namely the return to the affair. The academic research on Herzl Jewish identity, and the second, settlement erroneously attributes this to the absence of an on the soil of their homeland - this is the influence or, worse still, negates the relation Zionist solution, a national home in the land between the affair and Herzl's consolidation of Israel. "For the Jews there is no other of the Zionist idea. Every person, if he looks succour and salvation, other than the an instant deep inside himself, may discover return to their nation and settlement on that one of the most formative events in his life is precisely an incident that he has never the soil of their homeland. I wrote this in recounted; for the more painful the insult the my book "The Jewish State" in 1895, more difficult it will be for us to tell others of under the shocking impression of the first Dreyfus trial." Eigentümer, Herausgeber und Verleger: Illustrierte Neue Welt, Dr. Joanna Nittenberg, Further Reading: Chefredakteur Dr. Joanna Nittenberg, 1010 Alex Bein, Between People and World, II Wien, Judengasse 1a, Telefon: 535 63 01. (Heb.), The Zionist Library, 1961 (Herzl's Druck: Koisser, 1070 Wien, Zieglergasse 77, articles: The Situation in France and Zionism) Telefon 523 55 73. Max Nordau, Zionist Writings, Part III 1849- 1923 (Heb.), Zionist Library, Jerusalem, 1995. Dr. David Breakstone, Head of the Department Lazare Bernard, A Judicial Error, The Truth for Zionist Activitis, World Zionist Organization about the Dreyfus Case, Ward, Lock, London, Office: 02-620-2134, Mobile: 052-777-7039 1898. Fax: 02-620-4182, E-mail: [email protected] Paleologue Maurice, My secret diary of the mailto: [email protected]. Dreyfus case 1894-1899, London, Secker and Web: www. DoingZionism.org Warburg, 1957.