Suchergebnisse

Reverend William Henry Hechler was of outstanding significance for the mediation of Theodor Herzl's Zionist ideas to the German and English aristocracy from 1896 to 1904. In spite of this he has for the most part been left overseen, and therefore almost forgotten. Intending to reverse that trend, this article presents a brief biographical sketch of William Hechler, and discusses his relation to Theodor Herzl and the emerging Zionist movement. It highlights their different personalities and the incommensurability of their fundamental ideas. Further, Hechler's most central publication, The Restoration of the Jews to Palestine (1882), is presented in its historical context and in regard to its posthumous reception. Consequently previous readings of this document are questioned and subsequently dismissed. Instead a new picture of this hitherto almost unknown document will emerge. Finally William Hechler's prophetical endeavours are briefly outlined, critically reviewed and cautiously re-dated to the midst of the 1890s. Thus, the article promotes an alternative perspective on the spread and success of the young Zionist movement: By focusing on Hechler's ability to transform Herzl's political message into a semi-political or religious one, the way is paved for another understanding of the breakthrough and acceptance of Zionism.

In 1889, when Bertha von Suttner published her ground-breaking anti-war novel Die Waffen nieder! she called attention to a decade of war and social stress throughout larger parts of Europe. In a very similar way Theodor Herzl's booklet Der Judenstaat published nearly ten years later set focus on the misery of the Jewish population in the Austrian-Hungarian Empire, France and Russia. By stressing this ideological equity, this paper sets out to describe the intersection between the Austria peace movement headed by Bertha von Suttner and the Zionist movement founded by Theodor Herzl. As will be argued, their ideological bond does not only reflect a personal sympathy between them, but it also emphasizes the changing character of Theodor Herzl's versatile diplomatic efforts and the conversion of bourgeoisie conservative Bertha von Suttner and her husband to loyal Philo-Zionists. The concluding remarks summarize some important features of this alliance and highlight thus the significant impact of non Jewish aid for Theodor Herzl's political aims.

Reverend William Henry Hechler was of outstanding significance for the mediation of Theodor Herzl's Zionist ideas to the German and English aristocracy from 1896 to 1904. In spite of this he has for the most part been left overseen, and therefore almost forgotten. Intending to reverse that trend, this article presents a brief biographical sketch of William Hechler, and discusses his relation to Theodor Herzl and the emerging Zionist movement. It highlights their different personalities and the incommensurability of their fundamental ideas. Further, Hechler's most central publication, The Restoration of the Jews to Palestine (1882), is presented in its historical context and in regard to its posthumous reception. Consequently previous readings of this document are questioned and subsequently dismissed. Instead a new picture of this hitherto almost unknown document will emerge. Finally William Hechler's prophetical endeavours are briefly outlined, critically reviewed and cautiously re-dated to the midst of the 1890s. Thus, the article promotes an alternative perspective on the spread and success of the young Zionist movement: By focusing on Hechler's ability to transform Herzl's political message into a semi-political or religious one, the way is paved for another understanding of the breakthrough and acceptance of Zionism.