Theodor Herzl: The Birth of Political Zionism - Ep. 1: The Challenge of Establishing a Jewish State

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On May 14, 1948, as David Ben-Gurion proclaimed the establishment of the modern State of Israel, he stood flanked by leaders representing a broad range of factions within the Yishuv. Above all of them hung just one image: the visage of Theodor Herzl. Herzl is the only Jewish leader mentioned by name in Israel’s Declaration of Independence, and for good reason: more than anyone else, he is the father of the Jewish state.

In this course, we will explore the life, statesmanship, and legacy of this remarkable leader. Guided by Dr. Daniel Polisar, one of Israel’s leading experts on Theodor Herzl, we will see how Herzl’s deep concern for his nation’s dignity and honor led him to conclude that the Jews needed a state of their own. With little institutional support and virtually no resources or political leverage, the sheer force of Herzl’s writing and will carried him to sit across the negotiating table from prime ministers and emperors, arguing for the free sovereignty of the Jewish people.

In this first lecture, Dr. Polisar explains that to truly understand Herzl’s challenge, we have to unknow everything we know about Zionist history and the modern State of Israel.