Friday, March 18, 2011

Herzl and Herzliya


He had three children; all three of them died tragically. (His daughter Pauline died at 40 of a heroin overdose. His son Hans committed suicide on the day of his sister's funeral; Hans was 39 of age. The youngest daughter, Trude, died at the Therezin concentration camp).
Let's hope his fourth "child" - the State of Israel - will survive despite the hostility that surrounds it.

He - Theodor Herzl (1860-1904 ) an austro-hungarian journalist who envisaged and supported the establishment of a jewish homeland . In the Jewish world and in Israel in particular, he's a legendary figure. His remains and those of his first two born children and grandson (Trude's son) were moved from abroad and reburied on Mt. Herzl in Jerusalem.

Herzliya , the city situated on the central coast of Israel, was named after Theodor Herzl. The top picture shows a dramatic statue of Herzl on the water tower at the Hasira junction, overlooking the city and the traffic to it. The following two pictures of Herzl's double-sided poster figure were taken in front of the New High Scool in the city of Herzliya. His poster was put there probably to remind the students of his famous slogan "If you wish it , nothing will be a fairy tale".



Welcome ! Herzl behind the town-map of Herzliya


Herzl facing the New High School area

Herzliya is home to the largest film studios in the country. "Ulpanei Herzliya", are located at the end of a short, narrow quiet street named 'Kesem' (hebrew word for Magic - how appropriate!). It should be mentioned that Israel has been nominated for quite a few Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film produced here.


Herzliya Film Studios - entrance

The city has fine beaches and hotels, a very affluent district named Herzliya Pituach (home to foreign diplomats, businessmen, high-tech companies), parks, a marina harbor, a small airport, various cultural centers and attractions (museums, galleries, a municipal stadium, a camera music chamber) , and a private university (The Herzliya Interdisciplinary Center) offering degrees in various academic disciplines.

The Marina (built in the 1970s) provides mooring for boats and yachts of all shapes and sizes. It is also a center for marine sports, and a very popular spot for going out to eat and drink as there are some very nice restaurants and cafes by the water. There's even a mall in the area, the Arena Mall, with shops selling high quality products. The Marina has become a well -known hub of israeli night life.


view of the Marina


'Beni the Fisherman' restaurant

28 comments:

  1. Theodor sounds a bit like Job with more that a fair share of troubles. Thanks for introducin' us to Mr. Herzel and lettin' us tag along on the tour of Herzlya. That little curly headed fisherman is simply precious!

    God bless ya and have a beautiful weekend sweetie!!! :o)

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  2. I love the picture of the Marina. This is an interesting story. I have to say the statue on the water tower makes me feel uneasy...but, maybe it wouldn't if I lived there.

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  3. Interesting. I have heard of Herzl, but never knew anything about him. How sad that his children died so tragically! I agree with your hope for his fourth child!

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  5. Herzl only lived forty-four years. He had an incredible drive to accomplish so much in such a short life. A real man of conviction, who suffered the worst losses imaginable - his children.

    The picture of the marina reminds me of Milwaukee. I'll have to post some pictures on my blog of this.

    Thanks, DUTA, for your enlightening post. Someone like this makes me feel self-indulgent, in my posts and in my life. Much more can be accomplished in life by action and conviction, than by introspection and reflection

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  6. Such a man of sorrows and he accomplished much for his fourth child. I will remember him.
    And that is a beautiful place! Love the marina.
    Thank you for sharing.
    Enjoy your weekend!
    xo

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  7. How many passed this man, so much pain ....
    Thank you for the wonderful tour by the sea!
    Your photos are wonderful!
    Have a nice weekend

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  8. Dear Duta,
    What an interesting post, a tribute to Mr. Herzl. An inspiring man. Life has challenges for everyone, but people like him, become our heroes!

    The photos are delightful.

    Doris

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  9. Nezzy,

    Indeed, like the biblical figure of Job. You always make such relevant analogies and comparisons, Nezzy! As for the "curlie headed" in the picture - he's adorable.

    Sue(Someone's Mom),

    The statue makes me feel uneasy too. It's as if he's watching your steps. The Marina's really a lovely spot both for nature lovers and those seeking entertainment.

    Dimple,

    Herzl was an interesting person; a man of vision and a writer who had accomplished quite a lot in his relatively short and very tragic life.
    Thanks for agreeing with me as to the fourth "child".

    Bica,

    His personal tragedies are indeed unimaginable.Your reference to him as a man of conviction with a drive to accomplish is accurate.
    I totally agree with the last two sentences of your comment.

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  10. Regina,

    Herzl "a man of sorrow" and the Marina "a beautiful place" - how true! Yes, Herzl is a man to be remembered.

    Magda,

    Glad you liked the tour by the sea.
    Your words about the photos are very kind, but they could never compete with your amazing pictures.

    Hold my hand: a social worker's blog,

    Hi Doris,
    Thanks for your warm words about my post and pictures.
    You're right - Life is indeed challenging everyone of us, but only few become heroes and legendary figures.

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  11. That was really interesting. Have a great weekend.

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  12. Great post, once again you taught me history. What a wonderful legacy to have left. May the State of Israel live on forever in its homeland. It is truly amazing what some people can do with life's trials and tribulations.

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  13. Thanks for the very nice and interesting posts about the Herzel....

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  14. Thanks for the lesson! I enjoyed it very much!

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  15. Donnie,

    Historical figures and events are usually interesting.
    Have a great weekend too!

    C Hummel Kornell a/k/a C Hummel Wilson,

    Amen. May your kind words enter God's ears and make Him bring safety and prosperity to Israel!

    nomore,

    Thank you for reading my posts and for leaving nice comments.

    KaLynn ("MiMi"),

    We never cease to learn. Glad you've enjoyed the
    historical lesson.

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  16. Thanks for sharing such a great story, I did not know it. Sounds like great people, in history
    kim

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  17. I always enjoy your posts because they always have something to say and something to show us. Thank you. Shalom!

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  18. I can only repeat what the others have said: I didn't know that T.H. led such a tragic life.

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  19. Interesting story of the history of Israel, Duta. Long may she live, in peace and prosperity.

    One day we will be beyond all the animosity and wars. I eagerly await the day....

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  20. This is a very informative post. I do believe you help broaden my world with each visit. Thanks for sharing. Peace

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  21. Stuff could always be worse,

    Well, Kim, I'm glad that you've now learned something about this historical figure: Theodor Herzel.

    Phivos Nicolaides,

    Thank you for your very kind words. I feel flattered by your opinion about my posts.

    TallTchr,

    Even when you repeat, your words look and sound original. Yes, T.H. , was in his personal life a tragic figure and not many were aware of that fact.

    Lynda Lehmann,

    Thanks for your good wishes for Israel. Like you, we're all eager for the day when we'll be "beyond animosity and wars".

    Lady Di Tn,

    Your words about my post being "informative" and help you 'broaden your world' - make me happy. Thanks.

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  22. In my opinion, surviving the death of your children is the most dramatic event somebody can experience.

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  23. So much sadness Herzel had to bear!
    Very well done post, Duta.
    Very informative ....thank you!
    And I pray that Israel will survive...it has too!
    Terrible bus bombing in Jerusalem today!
    So sad!

    I wish you peace & joy, always!

    Margie

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  24. Vert Ange,

    How very true! There's nothing more tragic in life than parents burying their child.

    Margie,

    Good to hear from you!
    Indeed ,there's a lot of sadness regarding Herzel's life.
    Thanks for praying for Israel's safety.

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  25. He seems to have indirect similarities to Abraham although maybe not with his children but more of a beautiful legacy.

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  26. j tour@jayspaze,

    You're right about the legacy; as for his tragedies with his children, he's more like Job.

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  27. A history lesson and a trip to another part of the world all-in-one! Great pictures!

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  28. Knitwit,

    Thanks for the "all-in-one". With pictures it's always a problem, as you have to make a selection and that's rather difficult.

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