In the early 1880s, Jews in the Russian Empire experienced harsh antisemitism, violence, and persecution. In response to that, and in opposition to assimilation, some Jews suggested settling a home for the Jewish people in the Land of Israel, the only place Jews could become a nation.

Haim Nissim Amzlag was a Jewish businessman and community leader during the Yishuv period.

Born in Belarus to a Chabad Hasidic family, Zalman David Levontin was one of the pioneers of the first aliyah. He was one of the founders of Rishon Lezion and the Jewish Colonial Trust.

Baron Edmond Benjamin James de Rothschild (1845-1934) was a French banker, philanthropist, and art collector born in France in 1845. His father - James (Jacob) Rothschild - was the founder of the Paris branch of the Rothschild family.

1861 -1936. From Moldova to Tel Aviv Meïr Dizengoff was the first mayor of Tel Aviv, between 1921-1925, and from 1928 until his death in 1936. Born in Moldova in 1861, he received a traditional and general education in Chisinau (today's Moldova). Source : http://eng.ihi.org.il/history/meir-dizengoff.aspx In 1886 he started his Zionist activities and became a member of the Hovevei Zion organization. He represented it in Chisinau by establishing its branch. There he became clos