10 marzo 1901 anni - Sixth Zionist Congress

Descrizione:

The Sixth Zionist Congress, held in Basel in 1903, was notably contentious due to Theodor Herzl's proposal of the "Uganda Scheme." This plan proposed establishing a temporary Jewish refuge in East Africa, diverging from the traditional Zionist goal of establishing a state in Palestine. Herzl's proposal was driven by an urgent need to find a safe haven for Jews, especially in the wake of the violent Kishinev pogrom and ongoing refusals from the Ottoman Empire to allow significant Jewish settlement in Palestine.

Despite Herzl's efforts to secure international support for Zionism, including negotiations with the Russian and British governments, his proposal for an African colony was met with significant resistance within the Zionist movement, particularly from Russian delegates who were deeply committed to Palestine as the location for Jewish statehood. The congress ultimately decided to send a fact-finding mission to Africa, but the plan was met with such strong opposition that it never materialized into action.

The debates at the congress revealed deep divisions within the Zionist movement, showcasing a spectrum of ideological beliefs about the future of Jewish nationalism—from those seeking immediate refuge to others holding out for a homeland in Palestine. The congress's decision not to allocate Zionist funds for the Uganda Scheme underlined the strong preference among many delegates for Palestine.

Herzl's health deteriorated during this period, and he died less than a year later, never seeing the establishment of a Jewish state. His death marked a significant turning point for Zionism, with leadership shifting towards figures like Chaim Weizmann, who later became a key player in the establishment of Israel.

The Uganda Scheme's rejection reflected both the deep emotional and historical connections to Palestine within the Zionist movement and the complex international dynamics affecting Jewish settlement efforts. This congress was a crucial moment in Zionist history, highlighting the challenges of balancing urgent safety concerns with long-term nationalistic goals.

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