Seventy-seven years after the remains of Theodor (Benjamin Ze’ev) Herzl, the visionary of the Jewish state, were transferred to Israel and reinterred on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem, one of the most historically and symbolically significant steps in the history of Zionism was taken on Wednesday in Belgrade: The remains of Shimon (Leib) Herzl and Rivka Herzl, Theodor Herzl’s grandparents, were exhumed from the Jewish cemetery in Zemun and transported to Israel. They will be reinterred on Mount Herzl next week.
The exhumation was carried out in accordance with local religious and legal regulations in the presence of representatives of the World Zionist Organization (WZO), including Chairman Yaakov Hagoel and Vice Chairman and Acting Chairman Dr. Yizhar Hess, representatives of the aid organization ZAKA – Director General Zvi Hasid, Special Forces Commander Eran Kozhi, Special Forces member Ben Elmalem – and representatives of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Following the completion of the procedure, the remains were transferred to specially prepared coffins and prepared for transport to Israel.
The transfer takes place after approximately four years of complex political and diplomatic efforts led by the World Zionist Organization, during which all necessary permits for the transfer of the remains to Israel were obtained.
The transfer of the remains and their reburial in the family grave on Mount Herzl represent the conclusion of a national and familial circle that reunites the Herzl family in the heart of the State of Israel.
Theodor Herzl’s grave on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem. Next week, the remains of his grandparents, Shimon (Leib) and Rivka Herzl, will also be interred there. Photo: Esther Rubyan/Flash90
This step is both a historic gesture and an expression of a deep connection to the spiritual roots of Zionism. Herzl, who was shaped by and inspired by his grandfather Shimon Leib Herzl, connected generations and the world of Jewish tradition with the modern vision of returning to Zion. Shimon Leib Herzl served as a Ba’al Toke’a (shocolor blower) in the synagogue of Rabbi Judah Shlomo Alkalai, a pioneer of Zionism.
The state funeral and burial ceremony will take place on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 (22 Menachem Av 5786) – exactly 77 years after Theodor Herzl’s remains were laid to rest on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem in 1949. The highest representatives of the State of Israel are expected to attend, including President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the leadership of the World Zionist Organization, and other high-ranking public figures.
The chairman of the World Zionist Organization, Yaakov Hagoel, stated: “When Zion brings its sons back to itself, it also brings home its fathers. The World Zionist Organization is closing a historical circle today. Herzl’s grandfather and grandmother are finally finding their final resting place – beside their grandson in the heart of Jerusalem. Today we connect the roots of the Herzl family with the land to which their grandson dedicated his life.”
Dr. Yizhar Hess, Vice President and Acting Chairman of the World Zionist Organization, said: “Herzl, the visionary of the Jewish state, was the last prophet of Israel. He left us the vision of a state, yet for himself and his family he expressed only one modest wish: to be buried in Eretz Israel once the Jewish state was established. Today we have the privilege of fulfilling his last wish. With this, a chapter comes to a close. Grandfather Shimon Leib and Grandmother Rivka will now join the family grave on Mount Herzl. They played a significant role in Herzl’s childhood and in shaping his Zionist thinking. They will be laid to rest in Jerusalem next week.”
ZAKA ‘s Director General, Zvi Hasid, added: “We are proud to be part of a national and deeply values-driven mission of the utmost importance, one that connects the miracle of Israel’s rebirth with the commandment to bring the deceased to Eretz Israel for burial. At ZAKA, our professional and experienced team possesses the necessary expertise to carry out such complex and sensitive operations. It has been a privilege for us to perform this task with reverence, respect, and profound emotion.”
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