This week Rabbi David Woznica writes of pivotal events that led to the creation of the Modern State of Israel which are important for us, and our children, to know.
The Dreyfus Trial—The Dreyfus Affair
In 1894, Alfred Dreyfus was falsely accused of spying for Germany. He was a captain in the French Army. It took twelve years before the case was resolved. In the interim, the French government fell. However, during those years, Jews were subject to horrible antisemitic attacks, much as a result of the antisemitism of the Catholic Church.
During the investigation, it became clear the charges were fabricated. The spy working for Germany existed, but it was another man. The French Army and government leaders on the political right worked to suppress the evidence.
France was shocked when the novelist Emile Zola wrote J’accuse in the newspaper. He wrote “May all my works perish if Dreyfus is not innocent… I (do) not want my country to remain in lies and injustice. One day, France will thank me for having helped to save its honor.”
The French government put Zola on trial and he was convicted of libel. Zola fled to England.
Ultimately, the French government ordered a new trial which they rigged to have Dreyfus convicted yet again. He was sent to Devil’s Island (a French prison, notorious for its harsh treatment and spread of disease). He was later exonerated and returned to France where he died in 1935.
The significance of the Dreyfus trial was yet to be realized for it would become the catalyst for Theodor Herzl to become a Zionist. Tune in for this tomorrow…
—Rabbi David Woznica