Hungarian-born Austrian founder of Zionism. As a correspondent during the Alfred Dreyfus affair, he determined that the solution to anti-Semitism was the establishment of a Jewish state. ALS in German, signed “Herzl,” one page, 5.75 x 9, Die Welt letterhead, May 29, 1900. Letter to an unidentified friend. Translated, in part: “It was not possible for the management to reach a decision. All I could do…was that the masters…of the committee, Dr. Katzenelsohn and Lourie…will decide within eight days. Both have traveled to…London.” Cloth matted and framed with a limited edition etching of Herzl, signed and numbered by the artist Herman Struck. In very good to fine condition, with light creasing to edges and corners, central horizontal fold, and several words quite light but legible due to irregular ink flow. After his efforts to gain financial support from millionaires for a Jewish state proved unsuccessful, he turned to the masses and offered them shares in a trust fund known as the Jewish Colonial Trust. Its operation began in 1902, but its establishment was also far from simple, as witnessed by the apparent frustration expressed here by Herzl that he was unable to solicit a desired response from individuals before they left for London. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
