The idea I have developed in this pamphlet is an
ancient one: It is the restoration of the Jewish State. . . The decisive factor is our
propelling force. And what is that force? The plight of the Jews. . . I am profoundly
convinced that I am right, though I doubt whether I shall live to see myself proved so.
Those who today inaugurate this movement are unlikely to live to see its glorious
culmination. But the very inauguration is enough to inspire in them a high pride and the
joy of an inner liberation of their existence. . .
The plan would seem mad enough if a single
individual were to undertake it; but if many Jews simultaneously agree on it, it is
entirely reasonable, and its achievement presents no difficulties worth mentioning. The
idea depends only on the number of its adherents. Perhaps our ambitious young men, to whom
every road of advancement is now closed, and for whom the Jewish state throws open a
bright prospect of freedom, happiness, and honor perhaps they will see to it that this
idea is spread. . .
It depends on the Jews themselves whether this
political document remains for the present a political romance. If this generation is too
dull to understand it rightly, a future, finer, more advanced generation will arise to
comprehend it. The Jews who will try it shall achieve their State; and they will deserve
it. . .
I consider the Jewish question neither a social
nor a religious one, even though it sometimes takes these and other forms. It is a
national question, and to solve it we must first of all establish it as an international
political problem to be discussed and settled by the civilized nations of the world in
council.
We are a people — one people.
We have sincerely tried everywhere to merge with
the national communities in which we live, seeking only to preserve the faith of our
fathers. It is not permitted us. In vain are we loyal patriots, sometimes superloyal; in
vain do we make the same sacrifices of life and property as our fellow citizens; in vain
do we strive to enhance the fame of our native lands in the arts and sciences, or her
wealth by trade and commerce. In our native lands where we have lived for centuries we are
still decried as aliens, often by men whose ancestors had not yet come at a time when
Jewish sighs had long been heard in the country. . .
Oppression and persecution cannot exterminate
us. No nation on earth has endured such struggles and sufferings as we have. Jew-baiting
has merely winnowed out our weaklings; the strong among us defiantly return to their own
whenever persecution breaks out. . . Wherever we remain politically secure for any length
of time, we assimilate. I think this is not praiseworthy. . .
Palestine is our unforgettable historic
homeland. . . Let me repeat once more my opening words: The Jews who will it shall achieve
their State. We shall live at last as free men on our own soil, and in our own homes
peacefully die. The world will be liberated by our freedom, enriched by our wealth,
magnified by our greatness. And whatever we attempt there for our own benefit will redound
mightily and beneficially to the good of all mankind.