An indispensable primary source in the history of Zionism. The First Zionist Congress, held in Basel, Switzerland, in August 1897, was arguably the most significant Jewish assembly since antiquity. Its delegates surveyed the situation of Jews at the end of the nineteenth century, analyzed cultural and economic issues facing them, defined the program of Zionism, created an organization for planning and decision-making, and coalesced in camaraderie and shared aspiration. Though Zionism experienced multiple conflicts and reversals, the Congress’s goal was ultimately realized in the establishment of Jewish sovereignty in Palestine—the State of Israel—in 1948. As Theodor Herzl, the Congress’s principal organizer, declared: “At Basel I founded the Jewish state.” This volume presents, for the first time, a complete translation of the German proceedings into English. Michael J. Reimer’s accessible translation includes explanatory annotations and a glossary of key terms, events, and personalities. A detailed introduction situates the First Zionist Congress in historical context and provides a summary of each day’s events. The Congress’s debates supply a case study in the history of nationalism: they feature imagery and tropes used by nationalists all over Europe, while appealing to the distinctive heritage of Judaism. The proceedings are also important for what they say—and omit—about the Ottoman state that ruled Palestine as well as the Palestinian Arab people living there. This is a foundational primary source in modern Jewish history. “This translation of the protocols of the First Zionist Congress will be of immense benefit to students and scholars of Jewish and Middle Eastern history, nationalism studies, and colonial and postcolonial studies. Reimer’s long introduction is thoughtful and provocative, the translation is faithful, and the notes and biographical dictionary are enormously helpful.” — Derek J. Penslar, Harvard University “This is an important and even fantastic piece of work. Reimer makes an excellent and perhaps understated case for the need for such a complete and annotated translation.” — Michael Berkowitz, author of Zionist Culture and West European Jewry before the First World War

A mosaic of concise and generously illustrated articles introduces the reader to the First Zionist Congress, the circumstances leading up to it, and its consequences. Succinct biographical sketches highlight known and lesser-known Jewish and Zionist personalities and provide fascinating insights into the everyday life of Jewish communities. Reflecting the structure of the exhibition, the publication first examines the origins of Zionism as a response to the changing patterns of life for European Jews in the last century. The First Zionist Congress in Basel and its resolutions, the so-called 'Baseler Programm', are the focus of the next chapter. The ramifications of the congress up to the foundation of the State of Israel are explored in detail and a variety of issues such as the evolving fractions of the Zionist movement, the role of women, relationships with the Arabic-Palestinian inhabitants and the influence of the Shoa receive special attention. A lively discussion of the relevance of Zionism today concludes the publication. A team of historians from the University of Basel has put together a publication which serves both as a guide to the exhibition and a valuable source for further study. It is strongly recommended to anybody interested in contemporary history, Jewish history, or the history and reception of Zionism as well as to all those seeking to form their own opinions about an influential social movement of our century.

The Dream of Zion tells the story of the Jewish political effort to restore their ancient nation. At the First Zionist Congress in Basel, Switzerland, in August 1897 Theodor Herzl convened a remarkable meeting that founded what became the World Zionist Organization, defined the political goals of the movement, adopted a national anthem, created the legal and financial instruments that would lead to statehood, and ushered the reentry of the Jewish people into political history. It was there in Basel that Herzl, the man some praised and some mocked as the new Moses, became the leader. The book provides an overview of the history that led to the Congress, an introduction to key figures in Israeli history, a discussion of the climate at the time for Jews—including the pogroms in Russia—and a discussion of themes that remain relevant today, such as the Christian reaction to the Zionist idea. As political debates continue to swirl around Israel, this book opens a window into its founding.

"This Very Short Introduction discloses a history of Zionism from the origins of modern Jewish nationalism in the 1870's to the present. Michael Stanislawski provides a lucid and detached analysis of Zionism, focusing on its internal intellectual and ideological developments and divides"--

The first comparative study of two major Jewish labor movements.