Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
1860
The fi rst Jewish communities are established outside the walls of Jerusalem.
1878
The fi rst Zionist settlement is established, at Petach Tikva.
1881-1900
First Aliya. Russian pogroms trigger the fi rst wave of immigration to Israel: 30,000 -
32,000 Jews come in this
aliya
, but 15,000 of them go on to other destinations.
1897
Theodor Herzl organizes the fi rst Zionist Congress in Basel, Switzerland. Prior to the
congress, such groups as Hovevei Zion (Lovers of Zion) initiated Zionist activities, but
with no central direction or political program. The Basel congress is the foundation of
a mass Zionist movement.
1903 -1914
Second Aliya. The Kishinev Pogrom and the Russian pogroms of 1905 trigger the
Second Aliya. This immigration wave of about 40,000 Jews is organized by the Zionist
movement and is characterized by the immigration of workers and by the establish-
ment of communal settlements (
kibbutzim
). The Second Aliya lasts until World War I.
This group of immigrants plays a central role in establishing the founding institutions
of the State of Israel.
1909
The city of Tel Aviv is established as the fi rst modern Jewish city in the world.
1910
The fi rst
kibbutz
, Degania, is established near the Sea of Galilee.
1912
The Technion, Israel's institute of technology, is founded.
November 2,
Britain issues the Balfour Declaration, promising a “National Home” for the Jews in
1917
Palestine.
1919 -1923
Third Aliya. This ideological aliya brings about 35,000 Zionist pioneers to Israel,
mainly from the area of the former Russian Empire.
1921
The fi rst two
moshavim
are established: Nahalal and Kfar Yehezkel.
1923
The British Mandate for Palestine begins.
1924 -1929
Fourth Aliya. The fourth wave of immigrants mainly consists of Jews from Poland and
central Europe, motivated to leave partly by the failing European economy.
1933
The modern port of Haifa is established under British auspices. It is now the principal
port and industrial center of Israel.
