The Jewish State

"The Jewish State" by Theodor Herzl is a compelling political piece from the 1800s that imagines a future where Jewish people have their own nation, offering a solution to widespread anti-Jewish sentiment. In his writing, Herzl argues a Jewish state isn’t just a good idea, but a must-have, examining the world at that time and stressing how important it is for a nation to be able to decide its own future. The pamphlet begins with Herzl thinking deeply about the difficulties Jewish people face everywhere and the pressing need to deal with the "Jewish Question." He chooses a practical path, setting aside dreams and making the case that things have gotten to a point where creating a Jewish state is not just doable but absolutely necessary and ends the section by stating that the Jewish people must unite in order to achieve this goal. With this the tone is set of a work meant to thoughtfully examine Zionism and what it means for Jewish people.