Our assignment was to identify the struggles that Theodor Herzl faced as Israel the Jewish state starts to become a possibility and how these struggles contributed to what Israel would become. We accomplished this through research, a graphic organizer, journal entries imagining his thoughts and feelings, a mood board to show his influences through symbols and a reflection on the sacrifices and dedication he showed.
journal entries:
May 6th, 1896
I went to the market today, and I saw a poster of a model in a store window. She reminded me of Julie, with those darn bags under her eyes, and that ratty hair she wore. In other news, Trude was being difficult again, screaming at her mother. Not that I blame her for yelling at that wicked woman.
All I can say right now is that home life is complicated. I’m spending another night at the office again and have almost finished my book. I’m scared of how it will be received in my community, but someone has to do something about the harsh conditions for Jews all over the world. Tonight, I will drown my problems with a nice bottle of whiskey.
June 9th 1897
I went to the park today. I wanted to clear my mind and take the kids out to let them release their energy. I am quite nervous as I will soon promote my ideas to some of the world’s leaders. I would like Jews to be given a homeland, and I have worked tirelessly to try and achieve this goal. I truly hope others can sympathize with the Jewish people’s struggles and agree to give them a homeland. I know that the location I picked (Palestine) may be a difficult fit due to the government not wanting to lose the state, but I remain hopeful that this could turn into a reality. Some of the people I hope to meet with are British government officials, Russian government officials, and French government officials.
July 2, 1903
Yesterday I got a letter in the mail. It was addressed to me. I never get mail. It looked elegant. The envelope had a black exterior with gold trim on the edges. I opened it. It was some kind of invitation for a big meeting. When I read it, I was in shock. I swear my jaw dropped open when I read the last sentence. The British government wants to offer the Jews a piece of land. They are proposing we create a Jewish nation in Uganda and they wanted me to come speak about it. I was so excited I almost hugged Julie. Eugh. she has been gone a lot lately. She has been going out at night and not coming back, leaving me to cook dinner for the kids. I wish I knew what was going on in all their little heads sometimes. I need to pick out a fancy outfit. Maybe a swallowtail suit?
Our new homeland may not be where our history was, but it may be where our history as a nation will begin. I am worried about how the Jewish public will receive this plan, but I think it is for the better and a risk worth taking.
Mood board below: