Theodor Herzl

Theodor (Binyamin Ze’ev) Herzl was born in 1860 in Budapest, Hungary.

Over the forty-four years of his life, Herzl earned two revealing titles: His supporters called him the “Visionary of the State,” while his opponents and critics called him “King of the Jews.” Behind his symbolic, almost mythological figure was a flesh-and-blood human being who was an astute journalist, a gifted editor, a talented writer, a brilliant political figure, a consummate orator and most importantly—a man with a clear purpose, who remained undeterred even when the road to achieving his goal was not always smooth.

Herzl died on July 4^th, 1904 in Vienna, Austria. Forty-five years later, on August 10^th, 1949, his remains were brought to Israel and laid to rest on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem, which is named for him.

The National Library preserves hundreds of historical items that provide a glimpse into his life, as well as evidence of the tremendous response to his ideas and actions.

On this page you will find photographs of Herzl (even some from his pre-beard days), rare editions of his written works—including the first Hebrew translation of Der Judenstaat ("The Jewish State"), published the same year as the original German pamphlet, digital access to the first translations of his Zionist writings, posters from his lifetime, obituaries and invitations to memorial events—even decades later.

Der Judenstaat, Altneuland and Others

Herzl’s books, first and foremost Der Judenstaat and Altneuland, were among the most influential texts in terms of their impact on the public consciousness regarding the need and prospects for the creation of a state for the Jewish people. In lucid language, Herzl conveyed the message that the establishment of a new and utopian state was achievable, even though it seemed a revolutionary and unrealistic idea at the time. In Der Judenstaat, Herzl drew the political outline necessary for the formation of the state, and in Altneuland, he fleshed out its image and character. In doing so, Herzl anchored the notion that a new, prosperous and progressive country was not a pipedream—but a realizable political vision.

In the National Library of Israel, one can find different versions and editions of Herzl’s writings in Hebrew translation, including books, plays, articles and letters.

The Jewish State

Translated into Hebrew by Michel Berkovich, 1896

To the book

Tel Aviv (Altneuland)

Altneuland was translated into Hebrew by Nahum Sokolow

To the book

The New Ghetto: A Play in Four Acts

Translated into Hebrew by Reuben Brainin, 1898

To the book

Feuilletons

Translated into Hebrew by David Frishman, 1907

To the book

Photographs from Herzl’s Life

The photograph most identified with Herzl’s image is the one of him leaning on the balcony of the Three Kings Hotel in Basel. This photo was taken in 1902, during the Fifth Zionist Congress that was being held in the city. Herzl’s actions were documented throughout his life. Many of the photos, circulated around the world, recorded among other things his global travels, the Zionist Congresses and his days as a young reporter covering the Dreyfus trial. Some of the well-known photographs come with interesting anecdotes, such as an 1898 picture with Kaiser Wilhelm II, which turned out to have been a photomontage created after the photographer failed to capture the two figures in the same frame. The archives of the National Library hold dozens of photographs of Herzl from his youth, his adult life, his travels, his political meetings, his funeral procession, as well as of his grave.

Stories About the Visionary of the Jewish State

Theodor Herzl’s extensive work included countless milestones, and behind each is an interesting story. Herzl’s complex personality—visionary, eminent political leader, gifted orator and talented writer—has generated many stories concerning his character and conduct.

Postcards Herzl Sent His Daughter

Tracd Herzl’s journey to the Land of Israel through the postcards he sent!

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The Doctor and Herzl's Autograph

Dr. Liebster treated Herzl and got him to the 4th Zionist Congress on time, in exchange for a favor.

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Herzl and the Sultan

Study a Shana Tova Card from 1901 featuring the images of Herzl and Sultan Abdul Hamid

To the lesson plan

Travelling Back to Herzl's Time

The many stations in Herzl’s forty-four years of life have left their mark on an array of publications about his character and extensive activity, many published in the years after his death. Fascinating information emerges from the obituary announcements, postcards, paintings, certificates of appreciation and posters in the National Library’s collections.