Theodore Herzl Admits to Exhaustion But Swears to Continue "The Great Campaign...As Long as I am Able"

November 10, 1896

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Theodore Herzl Admits to Exhaustion But Swears to Continue "The Great Campaign...As Long as I am Able"
Autograph Letter Signed
1 page | SMC 732

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  • Theodor Herzl

    Background

    Writing tirelessly, agitating endlessly, planning the first Zionist Congress – and beyond that, the Jewish political state – here, for a moment, Herzl admits to exhaustion which, no sooner expressed, gives way to his determination to continue:

    It is true that I experience moments of fatigue and annoyance because of certain perfidious attacks. But be reassured: I shall continue the great campaign for as long as I am able to. Yes, I already have quite a few enemies, but also friends!

    Some seven years later, Herzl died at age 44, his death exacerbated by profound exhaustion. “I gave my heart’s blood,” he said dying, “for my people.”
    Autograph Letter Signed, in German, 1 page, octavo, 6 Berggasse, Vienna, November 10, 1896. To “Very Honored Sir.”
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    VIENNA, 10 XI 1896
    IX., BERGGASSE 6.

    Very honored Sir!

    Your friendly, stimulating letter gave me a great deal of pleasure.

    It is true that I experience moments of fatigue and annoyance because of certain perfidious attacks.  But be reassured: I shall continue the great campaign for as long as I am able to.  Yes, I already have quite a few enemies, but also friends!

    Among those I count you and send you my Zion's greetings.

    Your devoted

    TH HERZL 

    [Translated from German]