August 29: First Zionist Congress

The First Zionist Congress convened on this date in 1897 in Basle, Switzerland, with 160 delegates from seventeen countries. It was inaugurated and chaired by Theodor Herzl, who mandated formal dress. The following goals were established for the movement: “The promotion of the settlement of Jewish agriculturalists, artisans, and tradesmen in Palestine; the federation of all Jews into local or general group, according to the laws of the various countries; the strengthening of the Jewish feeling and consciousness; preparatory steps for the attainment of those governmental grants which are necessary to the achievement of the Zionist purpose.” “Hatikvah” (“The Hope”) was adopted as the Zionist movement’s anthem, Herzl was elected president of the organization, and Jews were asked to pay an annual tax of a shekel (equivalent to an English shilling). By the following year, there were 80,000 shekel holders; by 1935, there were a million.

“At Basle I founded the Jewish State. If I said this out loud today I would be greeted by universal laughter. In five years, perhaps, and certainly in fifty years, everyone will perceive it.” —Theodor Herzl, diary entry, September 1, 1897