The following are excerpts From Herzl's The Jewish State.
The plan would seem mad enough if a single individual were
to undertake it; but if many Jews simultaneously agree on it,
it is entirely reasonable, and its achievement presents no
difficulties worth mentioning. The idea depends only on the
number of its adherents. Perhaps our ambitious young men, to
whom every road of advancement is now closed, and for whom
the Jewish state throws open a bright prospect of freedom,
happiness, and honor perhaps they will see to it that
this idea is spread . . .
It depends on the Jews themselves whether this political
document remains for the present a political romance. If
this generation is too dull to understand it rightly, a
future, finer, more advanced generation will arise to
comprehend it. The Jews who will try it shall achieve their
State; and they will deserve it . . . We are a people - one people.
Oppression and persecution cannot exterminate us. No nation
on earth has endured such struggles and sufferings as we have.
Jew-baiting has merely winnowed out our weaklings; the strong
among us defiantly return to their own whenever persecution
breaks out . . . Wherever we remain politically secure for any
length of time, we assimilate. I think this is not praiseworthy . . .
Palestine is our unforgettable historic homeland. . . Let me
repeat once more my opening words: The Jews who will it shall
achieve their State. We shall live at last as free men on our
own soil, and in our own homes peacefully die. The world will
be liberated by our freedom, enriched by our wealth, magnified
by our greatness. And whatever we attempt there for our own
benefit will redound mightily and beneficially to the good of
all mankind.
We at Congregation B'nai Moshe are matching our actions to
our words, by participating in the 4th Miracle Mission to
Israel. Our bus, captained by Bert Stein, Pearlina Bodzin
and myself, is almost full. However, we still have a few
spaces that we would like to fill with B'nai Moshe people.
We will be traveling with an estimated 700-800 people on a
guided, first class, visit to Israel. If you have any questions
contact any one of us or call the Federation office. I have
been on a number of trips to Israel and I can honestly say
that the Miracle Missions are the best.
The idea I have developed in this pamphlet is an ancient one:
It is the restoration of the Jewish State . . . The decisive
factor is our propelling force. And what is that force? The
plight of the Jews . . . I am profoundly convinced that I am right,
though I doubt whether I shall live to see myself proved so.
Those who today inaugurate this movement are unlikely to live
to see its glorious culmination. But the very inauguration is
enough to inspire in them a high pride and the joy of an inner
liberation of their existence . . .
Once again we are fighting for the modern Jewish state, which
is over 55 years old. For us, living in the United States,
the only way we can help is with our money, our participation
in Zionist organizations and activities and our physical
presence in Israel. As often as we can, we must make the
trip to Israel, showing our brothers and sisters on the
front line, that we are truly in solidarity with the
battle for a free and secure Jewish homeland.