These 75 people helped establish the foundations for a Jewish state in the Land of Israel between the start of the 19th century and independence in 1948. Those involved in the work of Zionism in the first half of the 20th century who went on to be important leaders of the State of Israel appear on our separate list of essential Israelis from history. We also have lists of current Israelis you should know and non-Israelis who helped shape Israel, plus a list of Zionist and Israeli artworks.

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