Over a year and a half before the First Zionist Congress in Basel, Theodor Ze’ev Herzl sat in his room and began working on a plan for the creation of an independent Jewish country. He wrote the book The Jewish State which addressed the various needs of a modern nation and envisioned its future flag, symbols, government and civil infrastructure.
He wrote about mass immigration, land acquisition and settlement. He described the future society and economy. He emphasized the importance of education, culture, and the arts. He advocated development, construction, and the creation of an exemplary society.
Herzl was influenced by unprecedented antisemitism and therefore saw the need to establish a defense force. He wrote, “We are naturally drawn into those places where we are not persecuted, and our appearance there gives rise to persecution. This is the case, and will inevitably be so, everywhere, even in highly civilized countries.”
The future Jewish armed forces Herzl envisioned would have modern weaponry and be used for defensive means.
It came to pass over 50 years later that the State of Israel was declared and the Declaration of Independence echoed Herzl’s sentiment. While David Ben-Gurion read the words “We extend our hand to all neighboring states and their peoples in an offer of peace and good neighborliness,” the surrounding countries were already in the process of invading.
Throughout its years, the State of Israel has been both a national home for its people and a strong defender of its citizens. However, the reality upon which the state was founded is far more complex than simply a defensive approach.
In the 76th year of our independence, the warnings of our founders about the dangers of the rise of antisemitism are coming true before our eyes. The invasion of our borders and the brutal massacre on October 7th were an act of war against the entire Jewish people.
The motives are known, and their effects are evident everywhere. October 7 represents the deepest challenge to the concept of defense, and it requires a change in approach. Sometimes the best defense is a good offense.
As we mark 120 years since Herzl's passing, the antisemitism that drove his efforts to establish a Jewish State remains very much alive. It is voiced by leaders, human rights organizations, parliaments, and citizens. This hatred begins in the Palestinian Authority-controlled territories, where youth are indoctrinated with antisemitic narratives and calls for violence against Jews.
This ideology spread through biased media threatens Jewish students on campuses and the peace of Jews and Israelis throughout the world. It disseminates falsehoods, distorts facts, and furthers religious hatred and violence. It challenges our right to exist and seeks to portray Jews as deceitful, Zionists as conquerors, and both as the source of global evil.
Today, it is clearer than ever that our journey to full equality within the family of nations is still very long.
It is now 120 years since his passing and Herzl’s vision resonates even more strongly among us -- the vision of life in a proud and strong Jewish State and a home for every Jew in the world. His dream of a model society is taking shape. Strengthening unity and mutual responsibility among us is the basis for realizing his vision.
Yaakov HagoelPhoto: Oz ShechterHerzl wrote, “Zionism is an infinite ideal,” meaning Zionism will continue to light the way toward hope, excellence, and security in our land as an unending cycle. He added, “The world will be freed by our liberty, enriched by our wealth, magnified by our greatness.
And whatever we attempt there to accomplish for our own welfare, will react powerfully and beneficially for the good of humanity.”
- Yaakov Hagoel, Chairman, World Zionist Organization