Hungarian-born Austrian founder of Zionism (1860–1904). LS in German, signed “Herzl,” one page, 8.75 x 11.25, Erez Israel letterhead, June 5, 1899. Letter to Menachem Ussishkin, a fellow Zionist leader. In full (translated): “Most esteemed fellow-believer! You seem to have misunderstood us. By ‘practical people’ we meant only those who themselves use that catch-word to characterize themselves as our opponents. Of course that expression cannot be applied to such a good intellectual comrade as you.” In fine condition, with intersecting folds and toned mounting remnants to the top. Ussishkin was among the founders of the BILU movement and the Moscow branch of the Hovevei Zion, later serving as secretary of the First Zionist Congress. He and Herzl initially worked together toward their common goal until a public falling out over the Uganda Scheme, a proposition which would have established a Jewish homeland in British East Africa—Ussishkin opposed the idea, feeling that it would make it more difficult to eventually settle in the Holy Land, while Herzl was a prominent supporter and criticized Ussishkin for his ‘utter inexperience in politics.’ An uncommon piece of correspondence between these two influential Jewish figures. RR Auction COA.
