Remains of Herzl's Grandparents Brought to Israel; to Be Buried on Mount Herzl

The remains of Shimon Leib and Rebecca Herzl, grandparents of the state visionary Theodor Herzl, were brought to Israel after about four years of efforts. A ceremony was held yesterday at the airport in Belgrade, after which the coffins were placed on a flight. They will be buried in the Herzl family plot on Mount Herzl on Wednesday, August 5, marking 77 years since Herzl's remains were brought to Jerusalem.

The remains of Shimon Leib and Rebecca Herzl, grandparents of the state visionary Theodor Herzl, were brought to Israel. Yesterday (Thursday), a ceremony was held at the airport in Belgrade ahead of the transfer, after which the coffins were placed on a flight to Israel. The ceremony was attended by the chairman of the World Zionist Organization, Yaakov Hagoel, deputy and acting chairman Dr. Yizhar Hess, Israel's ambassador to Serbia, Avivit Bar Ilan, consul Limor Nissim Siton, Prof. Ariel Feldstein, president of the Jewish community in Zemun, Nenad Fogel, Serbia's foreign minister Marko Đurić, and representatives of the Serbian Foreign Ministry, ZAKA, the Defense Ministry, the Military Rabbinate, and El Al. Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, who was involved in the efforts according to the organizers, did not attend the ceremony. The Serbian foreign minister said that Serbia stands with the Jewish people and that this is a significant day in relations between the countries. The remains will be brought for burial in the Herzl family plot on Mount Herzl on Wednesday, August 5, marking 77 years since Herzl's remains were brought to Jerusalem. The transfer comes after about four years of political, diplomatic, and halachic efforts. Israel's ambassador to Serbia described the move as a historic and moving moment, noting the connection between the roots in Zemun and Jerusalem.