David Matlow’s assembly of Herzl memorabilia and artifacts exhibited at Temple Emanu-El’s Streicker Center

David Matlow, Beth Tzedec member and curator of the world's largest collection of Theodor Herzl memorabilia, says that the notion of displaying his collection first occurred at Beth Tzedec. “It was my mother’s idea,” Matlow recalls. “She suggested that I do an exhibit at Beth Tzedec, and so I did. The first exhibit was shown in the cabinets outside the main sanctuary and in the upstairs rotunda. I give hakarat hatov to Beth Tzedec for helping start this journey.”

Matlow’s connection to Herzl began with his grandparents, who immigrated to Canada from Belarus and later fulfilled their dream of living in Israel shortly after the Jewish State was established. “They moved there when they were in their fifties,” Matlow says. “That was their dream, and they lived it. They and my parents instilled in me an early love of Zionism, and for me, Herzl was the ultimate symbol of the story of the creation of Israel.”

Over time, Matlow’s 'collector gene' intertwined with his passion for Zionism, driving him to assemble an array of artifacts that has drawn significant attention from those interested in Judaism and the history of Israel. “Herzl is a vehicle to understand the formation of the Jewish State,” Matlow explains. “The evolution of Israel is unique in all of history, where people returned to their ancestral homes and created a sovereign state. Herzl got the ball rolling.”

Matlow’s collection will be on display in New York City at the Temple Emanu-El Streicker Cultural Center as part of the “All About Herzl” exhibition, running from September 17, 2024, to January 23, 2025 (https://streicker.nyc/events/herzl-exhibition).

In addition, Matlow will speak at a free Zoom event, “All About Herzl: Collecting a Man’s Life,” on September 19, where he will discuss the mysteries, thrills, and significance of collecting Herzl memorabilia (https://streicker.nyc/events/herzl-collection).

More information about David’s collection is available at https://herzlcollection.com/ 

For Matlow, the lessons from Herzl’s life are particularly relevant today. “Learning about Herzl helps push back against the total misunderstanding of Zionism and the purpose of Israel spewed by Israel’s detractors,” Matlow notes. “Zionism is simply the national liberation movement of the Jewish people and the right to live in our homeland freely and securely.”

Matlow adds that Herzl’s personal qualities also offer valuable lessons for the current generation. “He wasn’t satisfied with the conditions the Jewish people found themselves in; he not only envisioned something better but actively worked to achieve it,” says Matlow. “Herzl was a visionary leader. Everyone who is concerned about or criticizes Israel could benefit from embracing Herzl’s belief that a brighter path is possible and that we, as individuals, have the power to lead the way to a better future.”