Some 1,200 Jews have travelled from around the world to commemorate the August 1897 congress, which took place under the initiative of Theodor Herzl and which set the basis for the future founding of the state of Israel in 1948.
The anniversary events, organised by the World Zionist Organisation (WZO) in cooperation with the Swiss Federation of Israeli Communities (SIG), are happening in various locations: on Sunday various discussions are being held in Basel’s Congress Center, while on Monday, current Israeli President Isaac Herzog will attend a jubilee gala at the historic Stadtcasino, where the 1897 gathering was also held.
Swiss government minister Guy Parmelin is also set to attend on Monday.
More
More
Switzerland’s delicate stances on Israel
This content was published on
Switzerland, one of the first countries to recognize the state of Israel, is alarmed by the level of violence in Gaza Strip.
The event is subject to large-scale security preparations: up to 700 soldiers from the Swiss army are present, and an 18.5-kilometre airspace radius around the Stadtcasino is closed until Monday night. Security costs are set to run to CHF5.7 million ($5.9 million).
On Sunday afternoon, an authorised demonstration took place in the city, organised by critics of the event who marched under the slogan of “Free Palestine”. Some 300 took part, the Keystone-SDA news agency reported.
Another discussion event about the history of Zionism, due to take place in a cultural centre in the city, had to be moved to the University of Basel – as well as partially online – due to security issues, Basel authorities said earlier this week.
Popular Stories
More
Banking & Fintech
UBS releases ‘hundreds’ of staff in fresh wave of job cuts
Should Switzerland take measures to support its struggling industries?
Industrial policies are back in fashion, not only in the United States but also in the EU. Should Switzerland, where various industries are struggling, draw inspiration from such policies?
As a Swiss Abroad, how do you feel about the emergence of more conservative family policies in some US states?
In recent years several US states have adopted more conservative policies on family issues, abortion and education. As a Swiss citizen living there, how do you view this development?
This content was published on
A committee of Switzerland’s House of Representatives has found the people’s initiative to limit fireworks too extreme, but has suggested a counter-proposal.
UN investigators report evidence of crimes in Syria and call for national dialogue
This content was published on
UN investigators in Geneva report ample evidence of crimes in Syria and urge the regime to follow through on its promise of a national dialogue.
Swiss Trade Union warns EU deal could threaten wages
This content was published on
The Swiss Trade Union Federation warns that the new bilateral agreement between Switzerland and the EU could threaten wage protection and public services.
Credit Suisse fines from Mozambique scandal to fund victims’ compensation
This content was published on
The fines imposed on Credit Suisse for the Mozambique scandal will be allocated to a fund for the victims, amounting to $105.5 million.
‘Confederation is a subsidy machine’: Swiss finance minister
This content was published on
The Swiss government is a machine for distributing subsidies to various actors in the country, says finance minister Karin Keller-Sutter.
Lack of funds ends third bid to salvage Säntis ship from Swiss lake
This content was published on
A third attempt to salvage the steamship Säntis, lying at the bottom of Lake Constance in Switzerland since 1933, has failed before it has even begun.
Nestlé Waters on trial in France over illegal waste dumps
This content was published on
Bottled water producer Nestlé Waters to stand trial, accused of illegally dumping waste and maintaining unauthorised dumps.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Swiss Jewish leader recalls creation of Israel
This content was published on
Rolf Bloch was speaking to swissinfo shortly before Israel celebrates its 60th anniversary as a state on May 14. Bloch, who was 18 in 1948, grew up in Bern where he studied law before he joined the family-owned chocolate firm, Camille Bloch. He says he can represent both the Swiss and Jewish point of view…
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.