DR. SZOUL REFOEL LANDAU RABBI SZMUEL MOHILEWER (Editor’s note: We are treated to deeper insights about Rabbi Szmuel Mohilewer, the father of Zionism in Bia- lystok, in the following article.) In 1897, I [Landau] traveled to many Jewish cities and towns tin Poland and Galicia doing research. At that time, I had the opportunity to meet in Bialystok with Rabbi Szmuel Mohilewer, who was by then a world- renowned personality. I entered a dignified residence in one of Bialystok’s quiet streets. An elderly man with a long beard greeted me warmly, reminding me of my own grandfather, the Rabbi of Krakow, Rabbi Szoul Refoel Landau of blessed memory. It was evident that Rabbi Mohilewer, this angelic figure, suffered circulatory problems, find- ing it difficult to stand or walk. He offered me a stool and the elderly rabbi, dressed in a black silk robe, sat down. We began our discussion with the issue of Jewish colonization in Palestine, Zion- ism and the Jewish colonial bank (which helped Jews set- tle in Israel). 1 could not take my eyes off Rabbi Mohilewer’s majestic appearance. His facial expression suddenly brightened when he spoke of Jewish settling in Israel. Those clever eyes — which earlier were tired — now shone with the fire of youth. A smile appeared on his lips as he talked about his hopes and dreams, of those who would continue the work he began. He discussed not him- self but the young people, the future of our nation. In re- sponse to one of my observations he said, “I believe the Zionist idea will flourish as 2 grass-roots Jewish movement.” Before I left he raised his eyes heavenward, utter- ing a remark I shall always remember: ‘I am prepared to sacrifice my 1116." He spoke these words in a moment of dismay when I mentioned obstacles the Zionist ideal had been confronting. At that point, I left Rabbi Mohilewer’s presence. Later, walking through the streets of Bialystok and talking to various classes of Jews — workers, mer- chants and plain people — I realized how universally beloved and esteemed this elderly leader was. Everyone related vignettes that showed him to be a very special man. It was well known that when he arrived in Bialy- stok he brought with him 40,000 rubles, then a sizable sum, and distributed the full amount as charity for the poor. He lived only on the small salary the community paid him. In 1898, on the 19th day of Sivan, Rabbi Mohi- lewer passed away. Only thirty hours before his death, he signed a document in Hebrew in the presence of friends that was later read in many Jewish communi- The Bialystoker Memorial Book ties, starting with the words, ““To my dear and honored brothers.” It ended, “‘Let us all work with all of our strength for our people, and the Lord who chose Zion will help us.” This Rabbi of Bialystok, Szmuel Mohilewer, had RABBI SZMUEL MOHILEWER Co-founder of the “Chovevei Zion” (Lovers of Zion) movement and of the Mizrachi; was greatly instrumental in promulgating the Zionist ideal throughout the world; died in 1898. an influence far beyond the borders of his town. He formulated much of Zionist theory and the ideals upon which the modern State of Israel was founded, during a long life of selfless leadership. He was deeply religious and held the vision of a redemptive future in an Israel populated by the Jewish people. 11