Page 43 - Kol Bogrei Habonim - Winter 20

The story of Merhavia is told in the booklet
‘Story of a Dream’ by Arye Guttman, one of
the four pioneers.

PS: Following the publication of this article,
I have been contacted by descendants of all
four pioneers, some of whom I have since
taken to visit Merhavia.

So why do I feel such an affinity?

My grandfather arrived in Glasgow in 1903
with his landsleit (family group) from Zagar,
in Lithuania, amongst whom were these
pioneers. He may have been a member of
‘Glasgow Agudas Olei Zion’ – I don’t know
– but what I do know is that he was a friend
and relative of those involved in the project.
My grandfather never made it to Israel, let

alone Merhavia, but I do know that like me, Merhavia, Then and Now
the children and grandchildren of several of
those involved in the project are now in
Israel, living the dream of their grandparents.
I am proud of the part these early Glasgow
Zionists played in supporting Merhavia, and
I have much admiration for my grandfather’s
pioneering cousin, Lewis Coorsh, whose
descendants are still living there.

That is one of the reasons I really love taking
visitors to Merhavia.

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