An indispensable primary source in the history of Zionism.Finalist for the 2019 Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Award in the History categoryThe First Zionist Congress held in Basel Switzerland in August 1897 was arguably the most significant Jewish assembly since antiquity. Its delegates surveyed the situation of Jews at the end of the nineteenth century analyzed cultural and economic issues facing them defined the program of Zionism created an organization for planning and decisionmaking and coalesced in camaraderie and shared aspiration. Though Zionism experienced multiple conflicts and reversals the Congresss goal was ultimately realized in the establishment of Jewish sovereignty in Palestinethe State of Israelin 1948.