Read the excerpt from Theodor Herzl, written in 1896.The idea which I have developed in this pamphlet is a very old one: it is the restoration of the Jewish State. . . .We have honestly endeavored everywhere to merge ourselves in the social life of surrounding communities and to preserve the faith of our fathers. We are not permitted to do so. . . .No one can deny the gravity of the situation of the Jews. Wherever they live in perceptible numbers, they are more or less persecuted. Their equality before the law, granted by statute, has become practically a dead letter. They are debarred from filling even moderately high positions, either in the army, or in any public or private capacity. And attempts are made to thrust them out of business also: "Don't buy from Jews!"–The Jewish State,Theodor Herzl, 1896