Since biblical times, Jews have indulged in outlandish dreams: of redemption, of ingathered exiles, of peace on earth.

With the emergence of modern Zionism a century ago, Jewish leaders turned some of these dreams into reality. The return of the Jews to their land; the revival of the Hebrew language; the creation of an organic Israeli culture; the establishment of industry, commerce, and fiery military ability — all these happened because Jews were willing to make dreams real through concerted action, absolute conviction, and the channeling of skills and resources from all over the world. In Israel they created a legal system, an army, a parliament, an economy, a civilization that borrows from everywhere but is wholly its own.