by
Bernard Zissman
Take an imaginary journey back in time, over one hundred years,
to meet Theodor Herzl, the visionary Hungarian-born journalist and
founder of Zionism. The author and Herzl begin their journey discussing
the impact of anti-Semitism in France in the 1890s focusing on the
famous case of Jewish army officer Captain Alfred Dreyfus. Then
travel through Europe as Herzl makes his case for the establishment
of a Jewish national homeland in Palestine. Finally arrive at a
present-day destination where the author and Herzl discuss the plight
of both Jewish and Palestinian refugees.
The conversation and journey move backward and forward across time,
including the end of the Second World War as they watch the State
of Israel's birth out of a narrow and critical vote in the United
Nations in 1947. Join them as they walk through the narrow streets
of a divided Jerusalem, unified twenty years later as a result of
the Six Day War in 1967. After half a century of continuous conflict
between Israel and her Arab neighbors, the author questions Herzl
about his dream and if, with the benefit of hindsight, he now regrets
his vision.
Set against the tapestry of one of the most tragic and traumatic
periods in Middle Eastern history, this book will fascinate those
who support the ideals of Zionism, as well as those who oppose it,
Jew and Arab alike, and those who look on as they witness the quest
for peace in our time.
Sir Bernard Zissman was elected
Lord Mayor of Birmingham, England in 1990 and knighted for public
and political services in 1996. He is presently President of the
Representative Council of Birmingham and Midlands Jewry. This
is the second in his "Conversation" novels in which
he travels back in time to meet prominent historical figures.
In addition to actively supporting Israel, Sir Bernard serves
on the governing body of the 150 year old historic Singers Hill
Synagogue and is President of the Birmingham Hebrew Congregation.
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