Celebrate Theodor Herzl on the 150th Anniversary of His Birth

Programs and Events are being planned to mark the 150 Anniversary of Herzl’s birth.  Herzl Day (10 Iyar) will be celebrated  the week of April 18 -25, 2010.

Here’s a sampling of some of the programs and activities being planned.
MISSION OF SOLIDARITY WITH THE ZIONIST CAUSE
A JOURNEY WITH HERZL IN PURSUIT OF THE ZIONIST IDEA:
April 14 – 20, 2010 | Special Dor Hemshech Track April 13 – 22, 2010
As a journalist, statesman and visionary, Herzl crisscrossed Europe and the Middle East in a tireless effort to realize his dream of a Jewish state.  A century later we will revisit some of the most important destinations in his travels, reflecting on the monentous impact of his life’s journey and the circumstances and events that shaped the man and his vision. Leadership of the National Institutions, as well as members of Knesset and prominent figures in Israeli society will be participating in the journey along with Zionist and Jewish leadership from around the world.

The journey will begin in Paris and continue through Basle, Vienna and Budapest, culiminating in Israel with the celebration of Israel Independence Day at the official ceremony on Mount Herzl — just a few days before Herzl’s 150th birthday.  This high profile journey is intended to raise public consciousness about the positive meaning of Zionism today, as well as providing participants with an exhilirating opportunity to celebrate all that the Zionist enterprise has achieved while delving seriously into all that it has yet to accomplish.

See the proposed itinerary.

Further details please contact AZM

HERZL UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL: TRAVELING EXHIBITION

I truly believe that even after we possess our land, Zionism will not cease to be an ideal. For Zionism includes not only the yearning for a plot of promised land legally acquired for our weary people, but also the yearning for ethical and spiritual fulfillment.

Now, 150 years after Herzl was born, it is up to a new generation to embrace this visionary’s legacy and it its own.  This exhibition rich in archival visuals and thought-provoking text, was produced with that objective in mind.  It is not only about Herzl; it is about how contemporary Jews might shape their personal relationship to Israel and the Jewish people.  This exhibit is available for rental; for more information visit here.

THE ZIONIST SHEKEL

It was Herzl’s way of inviting the entire Jewish world to express support for the Zionist idea, and enabling all who wished to take an active role in the Zionist enterprise to do so.  In honor of his 150th birthday, the WZO will issue a limited edition, beautifully designed Zionist Shekel note capturing the excitement of the early days of the movement as well as the challenges that Herzl’s legacy demands we still meet.

More information will be listed as it becomes available.