The First Zionist Congress
Author | : |
Publisher | : SUNY Press |
Total Pages | : 456 |
Release | : 2019-02-27 |
ISBN-10 | : 9781438473130 |
ISBN-13 | : 1438473133 |
Rating | : 4/5 (30 Downloads) |
Download or read book The First Zionist Congress written by and published by SUNY Press. This book was released on 2019-02-27 with total page 456 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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 Congresss goal was ultimately realized in the establishment of Jewish sovereignty in Palestinethe State of Israelin 1948. As Theodor Herzl, the Congresss 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. Reimers 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 days events. The Congresss 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 sayand omitabout 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. Reimers 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