On September 28, 1902, the psychologist Sigmund Freud wrote a letter to the founder of modern Zionism, Theodor Herzl, which was recently found in the Central Zionist Archive. Itamar Eichner writes:
The letter was written in German, [both men’s mother tongue], and in it, Freud recommends Herzl read his book The Interpretation of Dreams. Herzl and Freud lived on the same street in Vienna for many years, but never met in person. Freud, nevertheless, is said to have been an avid reader of Herzl’s pieces published in the Neue Freie Presse, a paper where the latter worked in as an editor. Freud also expressed interest in the World Zionist Congress, established in 1897 as the supreme organ of the Zionist Organization.
In 1898, Freud also apparently attended a play written by Herzl. However, the 1902 letter was the only recorded attempt made by the founder of psychoanalysis to contact Herzl.
In the letter, Freud wrote: “Esteemed Dr., following a recommendation of your colleague, the editor Mr. M., I’ve allowed myself to send you a copy of my book, published in 1900, about interpretations of dreams, as well as a short lecture on the subject. I don’t know if you’ll agree with Mr. M., but I beg you, keep it as a sign of my appreciation towards you, which I’ve felt—like many others—for the poet and fighter for our people’s human rights. With regards, Prof. Doc. Freud.”
Read more on Ynet: https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bjjqt3d05