On 21 November 1818, Tsar Alexander I of Russia presented a remarkable petition advocating for the establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine, marking one of the earliest documented endorsements of Zionist ideals by a European monarch.
His proposal, deeply rooted in his devout Christian faith and eschatological beliefs, envisioned the restoration of the Jewish people to their ancient homeland as a fulfilment of biblical prophecy.
While the petition did not gain significant traction amidst the broader geopolitical complexities of the era, it foreshadowed the later momentum of Zionism in the 19th and 20th centuries, offering a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of religion, diplomacy, and early nationalist thought.
