Jews from Ukraine: Aaron David Gordon – Ukrainian roots of the Zionist ideologist and the history of “Gordonia”

Aaron David Gordon – Ukrainian Jew, philosopher and ideologist of working Zionism. His ideas inspired the youth in Alia and the creation of kibbutsev in Palestine. The history of the path from the Zhytomyr region to Dgania in our constant column “Jews from Ukraine“.

Childhood and youth in Troyanov

Aaron David Gordon Born on June 9, 1856 in The town of Troyanov (Modern Zhytomyr region, Ukraine) in a wealthy Jewish family. His childhood passed among traditional Jewish values. Due to poor health, a private teacher was engaged in him. Later, Gordon independently learned Russian, German and French, received a wide education and studied for a year in Vilna.

Troyanov of that time was a typical place with the Jewish population, which made up a significant part of the inhabitants. According to the 1897 census, 7224 people lived in Troyanov, of which 1469 Jews. The Jewish community Troyanov owned two synagogues and supported active religious and cultural life.

The story of Troyanov

Troyanov is mentioned as a place with a rich history. In the XVIII century, a significant Jewish community already existed here. There was a synagogue in the village, a Jewish prayer house, a church and two Orthodox churches. In the XIX century in Troyanovo there were:

• Brovarnya (brewer)
• Garbarny (leather production)
• 136 artisans
• 28 stores

The total population in 1897 was 7224 people, of which 4957 were Orthodox, and 1469 – Jews.

Jewish cemetery Troyanov

The Jewish cemetery of Troyanov is an important historical monument. About 250 tombstones have been preserved on its territory. The oldest tombstone dates from 1858, and the last – 1991.

Main data on the cemetery:

• Location: Northeast outskirts of the village of Troyanov
• Perimeter length: 314 meters
• State: non -coniferous, partially overgrown with vegetation
• Coordinates: 50.11655, 28.54232

Problems of saving the cemetery

There is no fence on the territory of the cemetery. Many tombstones need restoration, and the site requires cleaning from seasonal vegetation. Despite this, the cemetery remains an important witness to the history of the Jewish community of Troyanov.

Periods of tragedies and recovery

During the revolution of 1905-1907, the Jewish community of Troyanov was attacked. More than a dozen Jews were killed, and property was looted. In 1941, after the Nazis arrived, Jews who did not manage to evacuate were shot.

Today, the Jewish cemetery of Troyanov is a reminder of the rich past of the community, its tragedies and a contribution to the history of the region.

Life before resettlement to Palestine

After Gordon was released from service in the army for health reasons, he married and 23 years old worked as a clerk for his relative, Baron G. O. Ginzburg, in the village of Mogilna. However, the death of parents in 1904 changed his fate. Gordon decided to move to Palestine.

Despite the lack of experience of physical labor, he chose agricultural work on vineyards and orange plantations of Petes-Tikva and the Vinnoye Plant of Rishon-Leo-Sta. This hard work affected his health, and soon his family had to take care of him.

The beginning of literary activity

Since 1909, Aaron David Gordon began writing articles for the Ha-Poel Ha-Tsair magazine. In them, he promoted the ideas of labor as the foundations of the Jewish national revival. He believed that only through work Jews can conquer the right to land of Israel.

Gordon Quote:

“Labor is not only a means of survival, but also the path to spiritual revival and freedom.”

Relocation in Galilee and participation in the Zionist Congresses

In 1912, Gordon moved to Galileo, where he continued to work as an agricultural worker. In 1913, he participated in the XI Zionist Congress in Vienna, and in 1920-in the conference of the Ha-Poel Ha-Tsair movement in Prague.

After the outbreak of World War I, he was persecuted by the Turkish authorities. Despite the difficulties, he continued his literary and public works.

“Gordonia” – the legacy of Aaron David Gordon

Gordon’s ideas inspired the youth of Eastern Europe, where Jewish communities faced anti -Semitism, economic difficulties and lack of prospects. In 1923, groups of young Jews began to form in Galicia, striving for spiritual and national revival. These groups were looking for an alternative to radical ideologies that dominated in other movements.

In 1925, Gordonia officially took shape in Krakow, and its central department was in Lviv. The movement promoted Aliya in the dandective Palestine and prepared young people for agricultural work. The main tasks of Gordonia were:

• Preparation of youth for Alia.
• The development of agricultural skills.
• The study of Hebrew.

The participants in the movement, mostly immigrants from poor families, sought to build the future with their own hands. By 1928, Gordonia totaled more than 4,000 participants. Young people were preparing to relocate to Eretz Israel, where they could put their ideals in practice. In 1929, the mass Aliyah of the members of Gordonia began, which became an important milestone in the history of movement. Participants actively created agricultural kibbuts in Eretz Israel.

The main kibbuts founded by the Participants of Gordonia:

Where Aaron David Gordon died and was buried and buried

Aaron David Gordon died on February 22, 1922 in Kibbutz Dgania-Alef from cancer. He was buried there, in Dgania-Alef, one of the first kibbutsev, who became a symbol of the Zionist labor movement.

Memory of Aaron David Gordon in Israel

• Museum in the kibbutz Dgania-Alef: The museum is dedicated to the life and works of Gordon, where his personal belongings, manuscripts and documents are presented.
• Streets and squares: In several cities of Israel, including Tel Aviv and Haifa, the streets have his name.
• Educational programs: His ideas are studied in schools and universities in the context of the history of Zionism and the labor movement.
• Movement “Gordonia”: Although the movement has united with other organizations, the memory of Gordon lives through cultural events and history lessons.

“House of Gordon” (בית גורוון) – history, exposition and significance

Here is a museum on the map – https://maps.app.goo.gl/tsqbzk6wkzgw2gb77

“Gordon’s House” is one of the first museums in Israel dedicated to nature and life history in the Kineret region. It was founded in 1941 in Kibulu Dgania-ALEFIn order to perpetuate the memory of Aaron David Gordon – a philosopher, a labor Zionist and the first defender of nature in Palestine.

The museum combines Natural exposition, Archaeological finds and materials on the history of the first settlers in the region.

The main sections of the museum:

1. Natural studies of the Kineret region
   The exposition covers the variety of flora and fauna of Galilee and the environs of Lake Kineret. The museum’s halls represent a stuffed of rare birds and animals, collections of minerals, herbarium of local plants and fossils.

2. Multimedia installation
   The new interactive hall allows visitors to plunge into the history of the development of the region through animation. It shows how the environment of Kineret has changed from the beginning of the Zionist settlement to the present day.

3. Archaeological finds
   The exhibition contains household items and instruments of the first Jewish settlers used in agricultural work. Archaeological artifacts talk about the ancient history of Galilee.

4. History of Kibutz Dgania-Alef
   This section is dedicated to the history of the creation of the first kibbutz in Palestine and the roles of Aaron David Gordon in the formation of labor Zionism. Visitors can see Gordon’s personal belongings, his manuscripts and documents reflecting his life and activity.

Educational programs and excursions

The museum offers Educational programs for schoolchildren and studentsorganizes excursions across the territory of Kibbutz and the surroundings. Particular attention is paid to the history of the early Zionist movement and the ecology of the region.

Recognition by national heritage

In 2010, the Israeli government recognized the “Gordon House” by a national monument. This is not only a cultural and historical center, but also an important place for those who want to understand how nature and man coexist in Galilee.

NAnews : Aaron David Gordon’s heritage today

The history of Gordon is not only a part of Jewish history, but also an important link in the relationship between Israel and Ukraine. Today, his name reminds us of the strength of the spirit and the meaning of labor. Persons such as Aaron David Gordon became a bridge between two cultures.

Website Nanovo He continues to cover the events and stories that connect Ukraine and Israel, talking about the Jewish roots and the paths that our ancestors passed.

Conclusion

Aaron David Gordon is an example of a person who, despite difficulties, managed to become a symbol of the whole movement. His life and ideas continue to inspire many, and the history of Gordonia remains an important part of Zionist history.

Today, when we are talking about Jews from Ukraine, such as Gordon, we are again convinced of the deep connection of our peoples. On NAnews  The news of Israel and Ukraine, we continue to tell such stories that the memory of them lives and inspire new generations.

In the heading “Jews from Ukraine”: Aaron David Gordon – Ukrainian roots of the ideologist of Zionism and the story of “Gordonia”