Judaica / Zionism - Switzerland, Medal Commemorating the 2nd Zionist Congress, Basel 1898

Judaica / Zionism - Switzerland, Medal Commemorating the 2nd Zionist Congress, Basel 1898 European commemorative medal issued for the 2nd Zionist Congress in Basel (Elul 5658 - August 28-30, 1898). The medal features the leading Zionist figures of the period. At the center appears Theodor Herzl, president of the congress. Clockwise from above: Bernard Lazare - French Jewish intellectual and anti-antisemitism activist, initially close to Herzl before their later split. Dr. Max Mandelstam - prominent Russian Jewish ophthalmologist, founder of Hibat Tzion and vice-president of the congress. Dr. Max Nordau - renowned physician, writer and leading Zionist brought to the movement by the Dreyfus Affair, co-founder of the World Zionist Organization. Rabbi Dr. Moshe Gaster - rabbi of the Spanish and Portuguese synagogue in London and vice-president of the congress. The Magen David side contains a verse from the Book of Ezekiel describing the return of the People of Israel to their land. Around the edge in Yiddish is inscribed: "Presidium of the 2nd Zionist Congress in Basel, 10-12 Elul 5658, August 28-30, 1898". Weight: 7.854 g Diameter: 27 mm