Remains of Herzl's Grandparents Exhumed for Reburial in Israel
Following four years of diplomatic efforts, the remains of Shimon Leib and Rivka Herzl were exhumed from a Belgrade cemetery. They will be laid to rest next week at the Herzl family plot in Jerusalem during a state ceremony.
A week after it was first revealed in "Hayom" that the remains of the grandfather and grandmother of the visionary of the state would be brought to Israel, the historic process is underway: the remains of Shimon Leib and Rivka Herzl were exhumed today (Wednesday) from the Jewish cemetery in Zemun, on the outskirts of Belgrade, in preparation for their transfer to Israel and burial at the Herzl family plot in Jerusalem.
The exhumation was carried out in accordance with religious guidelines and local law, in the presence of the Chairman of the World Zionist Organization Yaakov Hagoel, his deputy Dr. Yizhar Hess, and representatives of ZAKA and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Upon completion of the procedure, the remains were placed in designated coffins for transport to Israel.
This move follows approximately four years of political and diplomatic efforts led by the World Zionist Organization with Serbian authorities and the local Jewish community. The process had been postponed several times, partly due to the security situation in Israel.
Visionary of the State
Shimon Leib Herzl (1797–1879) was close to Rabbi Yehuda Shlomo Alkalai, one of the early heralds of Zionism, and served as a baal tokea in the local synagogue. He remained committed to his Jewish identity, worked toward the establishment of a Jewish state in the Land of Israel, and influenced the Zionist perspective of his grandson. His wife, Rivka (1809–1888), was buried beside him in the Zemun cemetery.
Following the establishment of the state, the remains of Benjamin Ze'ev Herzl were brought from Vienna and reburied in Jerusalem in August 1949. Later, the remains of his children and his only grandson were also brought to Israel, but his grandparents remained in Serbia. Now, the family's final resting place on Mount Herzl will be complete.
The state burial ceremony will be held next Wednesday, August 5, exactly 77 years to the day since the reburial of the state's visionary in Israel. The ceremony is expected to be attended by President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, leaders of the World Zionist Organization, and senior public figures.
"When Zion brings back its sons, it also brings back its ancestors. Herzl's grandfather and grandmother are finally arriving at their rest and inheritance, alongside their grandson, in the heart of Jerusalem," stated World Zionist Organization Chairman Yaakov Hagoel.
Dr. Yizhar Hess added:
"Herzl bequeathed us a state, but for his family and himself he made a modest request - to be buried in the Land of Israel if and when the Jewish state was established. Today we were privileged to fulfill his last request."
ZAKA CEO Zvi Hassid described the operation as a "national and ethical mission of the first order," adding that the exhumation was carried out "with reverence and deep emotion."
