Toronto Museum Commemorates Theodor Herzl

The Beth Tzedec Reuben and Helene Dennis Museum will mark Theodor Herzl’s 150th birthday by celebrating his achievements in two exhibits.

The Herzl, the Pursuit of the Zionist Vision: Up Close and Personal exhibit will showcase Herzl’s life story and achievements through large scale panels. The Herzl Collection of David Matlow will feature over 150 Herzl memorabilia from Matlow’s collection. The items include early materials from the First Zionist Congress (1897), an original signed letter relating to the formation of the Jewish Colonial Trust (1897) and a report of the Commission that investigated the proposed Jewish settlement in East Africa (1905).

Herzl was instrumental in the founding of the Jewish State. The journalist covered the trial of Alfred Dreyfus, a Jewish French captain accused of treason, in 1894. This trial led Herzl to the idea of an independent state for Jews. He assembled the First Zionist Congress in 1897 and later on served as the president of the Zionist organization. Recently, Beverly Hills named a street after him to mark his 150th birthday.

The Herzl exhibit at the Beth Tzedec Reuben and Helene Dennis Museum will open on May 12. It will be on display until November 28, 2010.