Vladimir Tiomkin
Vladimir Tiomkin | |
|---|---|
 Vladimir Tiomkin in 1897 | |
| Born | 1861 Yelizavetgrad, Ukraine |
| Died | 1927 Paris, France |
| Nationality | Ukrainian, Russian |
| Other names | Ze'ev Tiomkin |
| Occupation | Engineer |
| Known for | Zionist leader |
Vladimir Tiomkin (also known as Ze'ev Tiomkin; 1861–1927) was a prominent Zionist leader in Russia, known for his extensive contributions to the Jewish national movement and his role in various Zionist organizations.
Early Life and Education
Vladimir Tiomkin was born in 1861 to an assimilated family in Yelizavetgrad, Ukraine. He qualified as an engineer at the Saint Petersburg State Institute of Technology in 1886.[1]
Involvement in the Jewish National Movement
Initially active in the Russian revolutionary movement, the pogroms in southern Russia in 1881 prompted Tiomkin to join the Jewish national movement. He was one of the founders of the Ahavat Zion society in St. Petersburg and a delegate to the Hovevei Zion conferences at Druskieniki (1887) and Vilna (1889).[2]
In 1891, Tiomkin was appointed as the representative of the Odessa Committee of Hovevei Zion in Erez Israel, and he became head of the executive committee of the Russian Hovevei Zion in Jaffa. He initiated land purchases in Erev Israel, but his plans were soon foiled by land speculations and the financial losses incurred by many investors.[3]
Zionist Movement and Later Life
Tiomkin returned to Russia, where he became the kazyonny ravvin (government rabbi) of Yelizavetgrad in 1893 and significantly developed the community's institutions. With the emergence of Theodor Herzl, he joined the Zionist movement, becoming one of its prominent supporters and speakers in Russia. He participated in Zionist Congresses, was a member of the Zionist General Council, and served as the Zionist representative for the Yelizavetgrad region.[4]
During the Uganda Scheme controversy in 1903, Tiomkin was a leading member of the oppositionist Ziyyonei Zion. During World War I, he headed relief projects in southern Russia for Jewish refugees expelled from the front region. After the February 1917 Revolution, he renewed his activities in the Zionist movement and was a prominent speaker at conferences and congresses. He was also a member of the presidium of the National Assembly of the Jews of Ukraine (1918). Despite the political turmoil, Tiomkin was not persecuted by the Jewish Communists due to his popularity among the Jewish masses.[5]
In 1920, Tiomkin left Russia and settled in Paris. He joined the editorial board of the exiled Russian Zionists' periodical Raszvet and became the first president of the World Union of Zionist-Revisionists. Tiomkin was an impressive witness in the Schwartzbard trial.[6]
Legacy
Tiomkin's contributions to the Zionist movement and his efforts in supporting Jewish communities have left a lasting impact. The settlement Ramat Tiomkin near Netanya is named in his honor.[7]
References
- ^ "Vladimir Tiomkin". Jewish Virtual Library.
- ^ "Tiomkin (Temkin), Zeev (Vladimir)". Open Jerusalem Archives.
- ^ "Vladimir Tiomkin, Former Vice President of the Jewish National Fund, Dies". Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
- ^ "Vladimir Tiomkin". Open Jerusalem.
- ^ "French Judge in Schwartzbard Trial Unable to Hear Gruesome Pogrom Details, Stops Witness". Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
- ^ "Vladimir Tiomkin Collection". Center for Jewish History Archives.
- ^ "Vladimir Tiomkin". Jewish Virtual Library.