![Theodor Herzl, 1860-1904](https://israeled.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Founders-Herzl_Theodor-D443-015-scaled.jpg)
Born in Hungary, Herzl is viewed as the father of modern political Zionism. A journalist, novelist and playwright, he embraced Zionism after reporting on Alfred Dreyfus’ trial in France. His pamphlet “Der Judenstaat” (“The Jewish State)” and novel “Altneuland” (“Old-New Land”) galvanized Jews to seek statehood. He organized the First Zionist Congress in 1897 and led the Zionist Organization until his death.
Photo: National Photo Collection of Israel