Rabbi Yehuda Bibas and North African Zionism

Discover the forgotten story of Rabbi David Ben Shimon (Tzof Devash), one of the earliest builders of modern Jerusalem and a key link in the chain of North African Zionism.

A student of Rabbi Yehuda Bibas—the first to call for national Teshuvah and armed return to the Land of Israel—Rabbi Ben Shimon immigrated from Morocco, founded the neighborhood of Machane Yisrael, and established the Western Jewish Council and an independent Beit Din in Jerusalem.

Long before Herzl, these leaders envisioned Jewish sovereignty rooted in Torah, kingship, and the revival of the Temple. Their legacy speaks to identity, redemption, and the spiritual return to Eretz Yisrael.

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