Were I to sum up the Basle Congress in a word- which I shall guard against pronouncing publicly- it would be this: 'At Basle, I founded the Jewish State. If I said this out loud today, I would be answered by universal laughter. If not in 5 years, certainly in 50, everyone will know it.'
Theodor HerzlIf you will it, it is no dream; and if you do not will it, a dream it is and a dream it will stay
Theodor HerzlIt is true that we aspire to our ancient land. But what we want in that ancient land is a new blossoming of the Jewish spirit.
Theodor HerzlWhen I remember thee in days to come, O Jerusalem, it will not be with pleasure. The musty deposits of 2,000 years of inhumanity, intolerance, and uncleanliness lie in the foul-smelling alleys... The amiable dreamer of Nazareth has only contributed to increasing the hatred... What superstition and fanaticism on every side!
Theodor Herzl