(Chaplain to the British Embassy, Vienna 1845-1931). Autograph Postcard Signed, written in German to Dr. Fabian Jolles of Vienna.

HECHLER, WILLIAM HENRY.

10th May

Vienna,

1900

In this personal note, Hechler confides that he is in bed with the ‘flu.

Christian Zionist William Henry Hechler played a pivotal, if forgotten role in the history of modern Zionism. Born in Benares, India, to Christian missionaries, by dint of his mixed parentage Hechler was equally adept in both English and German languages. His position as private tutor to the children of Frederick, Grand Duke of Baden the uncle to Kaiser Wilhelm II, gave him unusual access to the centers of power. It was through Hechler's intermediacy that there was arranged the historic meeting between Theodor Herzl and the Kaiser during the latters visit to the Holy Land in 1898. Hechler's motivation was deeply Christian and strongly advocated for political Zionism and remained a supporter and close friend of Herzl.