Today, the 20th of Tammuz, marks the 121st anniversary of Theodor Herzl’s passing. In light of Israel’s internal crisis, it is fitting to revisit his vision as reflected in his two seminal works.
The Jewish State, a concise political manifesto, was published in 1896, before the First Zionist Congress; Altneuland, a utopian novel, was released in 1902, two years before his death at age 44. Both works envision a sovereign Jewish state and describe the values that should guide it: social solidarity, equality for all citizens, and respect for religion, tradition, and personal liberty.
Herzl imagined a society built on mutual responsibility, where class divisions are minimal and everyone is guaranteed access to education, healthcare, housing, and fair wages. Notably, his proposal for a national flag featured seven golden stars, symbolizing a seven-hour workday, fewer than the norm of his era.
While the early years of statehood saw historical mistakes in the absorption of immigrants, the socioeconomic gaps were relatively small compared to other Western countries. In times of hardship, especially during security crises, there was widespread public mobilization, and a shared work ethic characterized both veterans and new immigrants.
Today, however, economic disparities are increasing, and the cost of living is threatening entire segments of society. Moreover, public funds are increasingly allocated based on political and sectoral interests.
A vision of equality and solidarity
Herzl’s values compel us to scrutinize the Nation-State Law, which undermines the equality of non-Jewish citizens, among them Druze and others who contribute significantly to Israel’s national security. Solidarity and equality are further eroded by attempts to grant the ultra-Orthodox community a permanent exemption from military service, even as Israel is embroiled in the longest war in its history. The war’s continuation, contrary to overwhelming public opinion, especially without the return of hostages, is a strain on national cohesion.
A lawyer by training, Herzl respected the rule of law. The ongoing push for judicial overhaul, which seeks to grant unchecked power to the government, threatens to further undermine the equality and solidarity that were at the core of his social vision.
Herzl emphasized the importance of treating every person with dignity, regardless of origin, religion, or social status. In Altneuland, he tells of an elderly German Jew who seeks to deny rights to non-Jews and fails in his bid for election to the local governing society.
Instead, the community elects Rashid Bey, an Arab engineer from Haifa, as one of its vice-chairmen. A character in Altneuland states that he and his friends do not ask to which race or religion a person belongs. All that matters to them is that he is a human being.
The issue of religion and state
The relationship between religion and state has been a contentious issue since before Israel’s founding and has intensified over time. Herzl advocated for a blend of tradition and tolerance, liberalism, and respect for religion.
In The Jewish State, he wrote that faith is what unites us, while science makes us free. He went on to say that the theocratic ambitions of clergy should not be permitted; they should remain in the synagogues, as the army should remain in the barracks. While both groups have important roles and are highly respected, they should not interfere in the affairs of the state.
Regarding non-Jews, Herzl suggested that Christian holy places should receive extra-territorial status. The Jews and their state would serve as their guard of honor. The current minimal response by Israeli authorities to attacks on others’ holy sites does not align with Herzl’s approach or the declared commitment to freedom of religion.
Few nations had an articulated moral vision for their future before their establishment. While reality inevitably diverges from Herzl’s ideals, and many others played a role in shaping Israel’s path, his values remain a worthy compass.
We must ask how far we have strayed from them, and where we are headed as a society regarding equality, tolerance, solidarity, religious freedom, and our attitude toward two key groups: minorities within Israel and our Jewish brethren in the Diaspora.
Are we acting in accordance with the moral direction Herzl set? Are we able to see others, recognize their needs, and embrace our differences with mutual respect?
The writers are retired Israeli ambassadors, distant relatives, and members of Theodor Herzl’s extended family.