Delegates from across the Jewish world will gather in Basel, Switzerland on Sunday to mark the 125th anniversary of the First Zionist Congress that paved the way for the future State of Israel.
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It was convened on Aug. 29, 1897, by Theodor Herzl, the visionary of the Jewish state. The event will be attended by President Isaac Herzog and over 1,300 other Jewish leaders, entrepreneurs, and philanthropists from around the world, who will gather in the same hall that housed the historical event. Israel Hayom publisher Dr. Miriam Adelson is also expected to attend to discuss the implementation of Herzl's socio-economic vision and the Zionist movement's vision and to propose a vision and milestones for the next 25 years with regard to all challenges facing the Jewish people.
The conference is led by the World Zionist Organization, which was founded at Herzl's initiative at the First Zionist Congress, and as such is also celebrating its anniversary of inception.
Chairman of the Executive of the World Zionist Organization Yaakov Hagoel is expected to speak at the event, as are several high-ranking Swiss government officials.
While in Switzerland, Herzog, who will be accompanied by his wife Michal, will meet with President Ignazio Cassis and other senior statespeople.
"The 125th anniversary of the First Zionist Congress in Basel is a historical landmark, which was a defining event for the Jewish people and humanity as a whole," Herzog said ahead of the event. "Zionism is the ideal combination of deep Jewish values and innovation and a groundbreaking entrepreneurial spirit. As the president of the nation-state of the Jewish people, I am thrilled and proud to see every day how Herzl's vision comes to life before our eyes, and feeling a heavy commitment and responsibility for the future of the State of Israel and the Jewish people."
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