World Zionist Organization

The World Zionist Organization, or WZO, was founded as the Zionist Organization, or ZO, on September 3, 1897, at the First Zionist Congress held in Basel, Switzerland. The ZO served as an umbrella organization for the Zionist movement. Theodor Herzl, who organized the first Congress, later wrote, "At Basle I founded the Jewish State...Perhaps in five years, and certainly in fifty, everyone will know it."

Related Topics:
September 3 - 1897 - Basel - Switzerland - Zionist - Theodor Herzl

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When the State of Israel was declared fifty years later, on May 14, 1948, many of its new administrative institutions were already in place, having evolved during the regular Zionist Congresses of the previous decades. Some of these institutions remain to this day.

Related Topics:
Israel - May 14 - 1948

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In 1960 the ZO changed its name to the World Zionist Organization.

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