Herzl's Vision: Theodor Herzl and the Foundation of the Jewish State

I found this a very interesting read. Herzl, the founder of modern Zionism is not generally well known. While those who know something about the history of Zionism have heard of him, I was surprised when talking to others about the book how few had really heard the name before.Avineri has a good writing style which made somewhat dry material a little more interesting. The times were hard in the latter part of the 19th century for Jews in Europe. While Jews have throughout history been seen as scapegoats when things go wrong, Jews had been accepted reasonably well. That is until xenophobia started. As the great empires formed, people started to identify themselves as part of countries rather than as religions. But Jews continued to want to remain as they were and not assimilate. This made them targets once again in history. The time was ripe for change.Herzl was a reporter - fairly well known in Jewish circles. He was also an aspiring novelist and playwright. It was not clearly explained his motivation, other than the terrible porgrams happening in eastern Europe, just why he began a political course. But, according to Avineri, he built alliances and networked with political leaders all over Europe.Interestingly, the definition of Zionism defined by Herzl is very different than what we think of today. Zionism was the idea of a return of the Jews to what was known as the British colony of Palestine. At the time, it was under the weak influence of the Ottoman Empire. The concept was to build a utopian society, free and open to everyone. And, while a Jewish state, it would openly welcome all people of all faiths as equals. They would transform the desert into gardens and farms, build great universities and become the envy of the world. The society would be so admired there would be no need for an army of any kind.Interesting how some things change. While I personally think some of this has come true, Herzl was naive to think that the world would accept a Jewish nation, when they would not accept them within their own borders.This was a great read, and one I would recommend if you have interest in learning about the early concepts that formed the modern state of Israel.

It was a great summary for those seeking to learn about the beginnings of the Zionist movement and Herzl in particular. Sometimes a bit long on narrative but otherwise I enjoyed it.

Very interesting book that covers the historical stage 1800 to 1905 as well as Herzl s dairies. I found it to be very interesting. Heavy reading.

excellent book

Outstanding narrative of the struggles of Zionism's most important early founder. Expertly researched and written. Outstanding translation from the Hebrew original.

Great non-fiction biography of Theodor Herl.

have only read one chapter so far.ThanksBob

Highly recommended. This is a finely written, erudite but also very readable, bio of a figure whose work & influence should be part of any world historical overview. The degree to which people, and especially Jews, are unaware of Theodor Herzl's life & career is shameful— and probably due to various political, religious and sociological currents.In terms of his actual influence on history, Herzl did not create, but he indisputably ignited the near-miraculous rebirth of a nation long thought lost to history. Personally, he was a hugely moving and inspirational example of how one man's passion can change the world. By any measure, his is a life worth reading about.Herzl's remarkable transformation—from a wholly assimilated, highly cultured member of European bourgeoisie society to someone who fought, with tireless ferocity & chutzpah, to change the national life of the Jewish people, at the same time tapping into an incredibly deep connection to his own people—makes for a hugely inspiring & moving story. Many of Herzl's notions about just how a Jewish state could happen, and what it would look like, are damn near prophetic; others are merely wise & broad-minded, on a par with the foresight & vision of America's founding fathers.in this book, historian Shlomo Avineri clearly means to shine a light on Herzl's career, not his personal life. Even so, the stark absence of information about his family, marriage and children is a little jarring. We get it: Herzl's passion, life's work, achievements and influence were all in the public sphere—but still. Even—and especially—Herzl's very untimely death is dealt with in a few strangely terse sentences, with almost no explanation of his illness. It's an odd note in an otherwise articulate and often eloquent book.But again: Herzl's Vision is well worth reading.

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