Zionism

In honor of Israel's 77th Independence Day, join us as we uncover surprising and important facts about the pioneers who first settled the land. Historian Moshe Nachmani shares insights into these early trailblazers, who often differed from popular tales. Plus: How many of Tel Aviv's founders were religious?

The founding of the city of Rehovot aimed to establish an independent city that would adhere to Jewish law, without relying on Baron Rothschild. While the Baron was incredibly generous with a warm Jewish heart, the clerks in his offices were modern and often not observant of the faith, making dealings with them difficult.

When I asked him, 'What's the fuss over Jews buying a village?' he replied, 'It's certain, as we've been told by our ancestors, that if the Jews buy four paces and take a step in the Emeq Ibn Amar (Jezreel Valley), eventually the whole valley will be in their hands!' So, why was the purchase of the land in Fula such a big deal?

The historical roots of Rishon Lezion as a religious settlement are nearly forgotten. Many narratives focus solely on its Zionist evolution, overlooking the contributions of its religious founders.

Columbia University decided to offer a course on Zionism, taught from the perspective of a Hamas supporter. In response, Prof. Lawrence Rosenblatt, an international relations lecturer, resigned: "This move proves that Columbia University has lost its moral compass."

In 1894, Herzl began his Zionist efforts. By 1897, the 'First Zionist Congress' took place. Yet, back in 1881, the 'Lovers of Zion' societies were already established. But was the idea of a state foreseen then?

In the 1870s, members of Jerusalem's old yishuv made significant strides in agricultural settlements under the guidance of prominent rabbis, particularly the leadership of Rabbi Yehoshua Leib Diskin.

In 1840, the English assisted the Turks significantly in controlling the land, and in return, demanded reforms toward minorities. The English meant the Christians, but this law included the Jews...

A peculiar procession was seen through the farm gates: ten elderly Jewish men, some very old and with white beards, dressed in traditional Jerusalem attire, arriving in three carriages to the colony and the farm. What are such people doing in the heart of the working settlement?

In an era of tribal unrest, Bedouin leader Daher el-Omar sought to develop the land and welcomed Jewish settlers known for their deep connection to Israel.

On September 22, 1948, a seemingly innocent ice cream cart rolled into Cairo's Jewish quarter on a scorching afternoon. Dozens of children gathered around it. The 'vendor' lit a cigarette, left it on the cart, and disappeared. The cart was a massive bomb. Two buildings collapsed, causing many casualties.

Rabbi Menachem Mendel Tobias grew up in post-World War II Romania, where he excelled in the science olympiad, only to later be imprisoned on serious charges. Now living in Israel, a grandfather to grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he shares his emotional story.

On November 2, 1917, the British Foreign Secretary sent a brief letter to Lord Lionel Rothschild that altered the course of history and exposed the true face of the Reform movement.

Rabbi Yigal Miller, once the epitome of Israeli education and patriotism, organized Independence Day ceremonies at his school and was chosen by the government to teach Zionism to youth. However, everything changed when he realized the truth about the land's foundation.

When Sara Zoabi entered her audition for the cooking show 'MasterChef' and mentioned her son, an Arab teen who supported Israel during Operation Protective Edge, she made a unique impression on the judges. "I'm an Arab, Muslim, Israeli, proud Zionist," she said.