Theodor Herzl was an Austrian journalist and playwright, born on May 2, 1860. He is best known as the founder of modern political Zionism, a movement advocating for the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine. Herzl's ideas were largely shaped by the rising anti-Semitism in Europe during the late 19th century, which he believed necessitated a Jewish state. In 1897, Herzl organized the first Zionist Congress in Basel, Switzerland, where he presented his vision for a Jewish nation. He worked tirelessly to gain international support for the cause, writing influential works such as "The Jewish State." Herzl passed away on July 3, 1904, but his legacy continues to influence Jewish identity and the state of Israel.