Personal Narrative: Zionism And Chemistry

The two passions of my life are Zionism and chemistry. My name is Chaim Weizmann. I studied chemistry in Germany, Berlin, and finally in Switzerland where I received my PhD in organic chemistry. In 1904, I left for England when Theodor Herzl Died. He was the father of Zionism who formed the World Zionist Organization and promoted Jewish migration to Palestine in an effort to form a Jewish state. There I became a biochemistry lecturer at the University of Manchester. Soon after, I became an influential leader among British Zionists. I have been seeking, for many years, all the ways to reach my Zionist dream that will benefit all Jewish people from around the world. Leading this in honor of Herzl would be my motivation, as well as believing in

In the next few years, I met with Herbert Samuel, British Palestine’s first high commissioner, and Edwin Montagu, a Jewish member of the Cabinet who favored assimilationist policies, in an effort to reach my goal of a homeland for Jews by gaining alliance with Britain. In 1917, I became president of the British Zionist Federation and the leader of World Zionism. I emphasize that we have never based the Zionist movement on Jewish suffering in Russia or in any other land. Sufferings have never been the main objective of Zionism. The foundation of Zionism was, and continues to be to this day, the yearning of the Jewish people for its homeland, for a national center and a national life. I encourage Jews not to wait for future events to happen. A state cannot be created by verdict, but by the forces of a people and in the course of generations. Even if all the governments of the world gave us a country, it would only be a gift of words. After arriving to Jerusalem in late 1918, I felt humiliated for the ultra-orthodox neighborhoods. Anything that could be done to damage and corrupt the sacred has been

Their decision does not exactly help Zionism gain anything, so we have asked for an appeal for a hearing with the council to speak on terms that may allow compromise. The Zionist delegation was given a hearing before the Supreme Council of the Peace Conference on February 27, 1919. Robert Lansing, the United States Secretary of State, asked me if a Jewish national home meant an independent government. I replied that my hope is to some day see a Jewish majority in Palestine and the ultimate creation of a Jewish state. All I ever wanted for Zionism was land that we could all call home. Despite many attempts to influence the conference, Zionists were constrained to simply having the right of obtaining Palestinian citizenship. This would only provide small steps to the bigger goal of a homeland for my people. Although the right to citizenship did not reflect succession in achieving the main goal, I have a feeling it will lead to a Jewish State some day. It will take a lot of work to get there, but I will not give up and I will continue to encourage my people to see the bigger picture. In doing so, I have assumed leadership in the World Zionist Organization for the second time. It is necessary to compromise with the British and Arabs, as well as appease my numerous Zionist challengers. The status of