January 18, 1854
Judah Touro Dies
On this day, January 18, 1854, Judah Touro died in New Orleans. His will funded Jewish congregations, civic institutions, and relief in Ottoman Palestine.
North America
Thursday, November 5, 2026
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March 22, 1851
Mordecai Manuel Noah Dies
On March 22, 1851, Mordecai Manuel Noah died in New York. In 1825 he had tried to found a Jewish refuge called Ararat.
ZionismJews in PoliticsJews in Entertainment
United States
July 29, 1849
January 31, 1848
Nathan Straus Is Born
On January 31, 1848, Nathan Straus was born in Otterberg, Bavaria. He later co-owned Macy’s and funded pasteurized milk.
Europe
July 24, 1834
Egyptian Troops Attack the Jews of Hebron
On July 24, 1834, Ibrahim Pasha’s troops took Hebron. Jews who had not joined the revolt were killed and robbed.
Israel
February 10, 1831
Isaac Rülf Is Born
On February 10, 1831, Isaac Rülf was born in Rauischholzhausen. He later became rabbi of Memel and an early Zionist.
Europe
December 25, 1821
Leon Pinsker Is Born
Leon Pinsker was born in Tomaszów Lubelski. The civil date is 25 December 1821.
Europe
March 24, 1795
Zvi Hirsch Kalischer Is Born
On this day, March 24, 1795, Zvi Hirsch Kalischer was born in Lissa, in the Prussian province of Posen. He later argued for Jewish settlement in the Land of Israel.
Europe
1916 or 1917
Mendel Portugali Dies
Mendel Portugali, a founder of Hashomer, died after his weapon discharged following a night on guard. Accounts date his death to 1916 or 1917.
Europe
5 Iyyar · observed date may vary
Yom HaAtzmaut
Yom HaAtzmaut’s nominal Hebrew date is 5 Iyyar, the anniversary of the 14 May 1948 declaration. Israeli law moves the observed date when 5 Iyyar falls on Friday, Saturday, or Monday. There is no fixed Gregorian anniversary.
Israel