Dear Friends,
Many of us were born into the reality of the State of Israel existing as a sovereign, powerful, Jewish, and value-based entity. But just five generations before, it was a distant dream.
The vision of the prophets slowly became a reality. In a conference hall in Basel, the hearts of the delegates of the First Zionist Congress were stirred, paving the way for the establishment of the Jewish State.
"In five years, perhaps, and certainly in fifty years, everyone will perceive it," hoped the visionary of the State, Theodor Herzl -- hoped, dreamed, and fulfilled.
This year we are marking the 125th anniversary of the First Zionist Congress in Basel.
From this very place where Jewish tradition, culture, and language met, where the people of Israel awoke from two-thousand years of exile and united from every corner of the earth to finally return home, I am excited to celebrate with you this seminal event.
Looking forward, to the future of our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, we will continue to strive for an exemplary society, through extensive Zionist activity, strength, shared destiny, and unity with Israel.
Sincerely,
Yaakov Hagoel
Chairman, World Zionist Organization
