Leon Reich (1879–1929). Sylwetka przywódcy syjonistów w Galicji Wschodniej

The article presents a profile of Leon Reich (1979–1929), one of the leaders of Zionists movement in Polish territories. Scientific literature has not taken any deeper interest in him so far. Here he is presented against the nationality background and social and political life in Galicia in his multicultural hometown Drohobych in Eastern Europe, and as a leader of Jewish youth during his studies at the University of Lviv. As a well-educated doctor of laws he conducted his own research and attempted to define a modern nation. He was an active member and participant of world congresses of Zionist Organisation. When Poland gained independence he was in favour of granting autonomy to the Jewish population in eastern Malopolska. He attempted to revive Zionist movement in Poland and was categorically against assimilating Jews. As a member of Polish parliament (1922–1930) he headed a Jewish parliamentary group. He resigned from this function after the Polish-Jewish agreement with Wladysław Grabski’s government had failed. After Reich’s death his family moved to Jerusalem fulfilling his last will.