Remains of Theodor Herzl's grandparents exhumed in Serbia, reburied in Israel

The remains of Shimon and Rivka Hercel, grandparents of Theodor Herzl, have been exhumed from the Jewish cemetery in Zemun, Serbia, and reburied at Mount Herzl in Jerusalem. This act fulfills Theodor Herzl's dying wish for his relatives' remains to be transferred to Israel upon its establishment as a state.

“

Thus, the circle is almost closed and Herzl's last wish, which he left in his will, has been fulfilled.

Nenad Fogel, president of the Jewish Community of Zemun, explained that the World Zionist Organization (WZO) requested permission for the exhumation in 2024. After extensive consultations regarding the preservation of tombstones and Jewish heritage in Zemun, the community agreed to the request. Herzl himself was initially buried in Vienna, with his remains later moved to Jerusalem after Israel's formation, though his tombstone remained in Vienna.

The reburial ceremony took place on August 5th, with members of the ZAKA organization conducting the rites. Shimon and Rivka Hercel were laid to rest next to their great-grandson, Steven Norman, grandson of Theodor Herzl, whose remains were transferred from Washington to Jerusalem in 2007.

“

After long consultations - during which we discussed the preservation of tombstones and issues of Jewish heritage in Zemun itself - we decided to meet their request.

Notable attendees at the ceremony included Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, WZO Chairman Yaakov Hagoel, and Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana. Representing Serbia, the Ambassador to Israel, Miroljub Petrović, was present, alongside numerous Israeli citizens of Serbian origin. The Jewish Community of Zemun expressed gratitude for the support received from the municipality of Zemun and other institutions.

“

Therefore, we felt we should not object. In terms of tourism, I believe we will not lose anything, because it has already become a destination for tourist tours from Israel.