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Theodore Herzl and the Founding Document of Modern Political Zionism
In 1896, Theodore Herzl, a Jewish Austrian writer and the father of modern political Zionism, published a remarkable pamphlet that addressed the persistent suffering of Jews in Europe and their displacement. Herzl recognized the complexities of anti-Semitism, including elements of vulgar sport, common trade, jealousy, religious intolerance, and pretended defense. He questioned why, despite advancements in technology and the ability to travel, communicate, and create wealth, Jews were still unwanted in many places. Herzl expressed the frustration of Jews who have made sacrifices as loyal patriots but are still considered strangers. He emphasized that the relations between nations come down to a question of might, and that old prejudices against Jews still exist. The people's frankness and simplicity reveal the deep-rooted anti-Semitic sentiments that persist even in proverbs and fairy tales.