HERZL, THEODOR

October 31st

Jerusalem

1898

(Father of Political Zionism, 1860-1904). Colored Postcard (featuring scenes of Jerusalem) soberly signed by Herzl, along with signatures of the members of Herzl’s delegation: Joseph Seidener, David Wolfssohn, Max Bodenheimer and Moritz Schnirer. Addressed on verso to “Heern Ing. Ussyschkin, Ekaterinoslau, Russia. With stamp, postmarked Jerusalem 31.10.98

A most historic association piece sent to the powerful Russian Zionist Menachem Ussishkin (1863-1941). Written by Herzl and his Zionist colleagues, from Jerusalem, where they were due to receive a sought-after audience with Kaiser Wilhelm II at Mikve Israel two days after this card was mailed. Although the despatch of this missive before a crucial meeting is indicative of the courtesy between Herzl and Ussishkin, the extreme brevity of the postcard is perhaps indicative of the tensions prevalent at the time between the two. For a detailed illustrated description of the days leading upto the encounter with the Kaiser, see J.H. Schoeps, Theodor Herzl and the Zionist Dream (1997) pp. 152-75