לטקיה—מושבה נשכחת מתקופת העלייה הראשונה

During the period when Rishon Lezion, Rosh Pinah, and Zikhron Ya'akov were founded, a Jewish settlement was established in Latakia (Syria). Its founders, fleeing Eastern Europe after the pogroms, were imbued with the ideas of national renaissance and the return to Eretz Israel to work the land. Latakia was unique in being funded by a Christian group, 'Foundation for Settlement in Syria', whose members included individuals within the social and political elite of London. Although the Foundation's professed motives for helping the Jews to return to their ancestral homeland were humanitarian, it was suspected of missionary intentions. The foundation sought to acquire land in northern Syria where the Ottoman government did not forbid Jews to settle. The first group of Jews was sent to Syria before the land had been purchased, thus dooming the attempt to failure. The settlers were isolated, lacked employment, and were dependent on the local authorities, representatives of the foundation, and the British Consul. While other settlements also faced social, political, and economic problems, they enjoyed the moral support of the Jewish community and the material assistance of Baron Rothschild. Latakia, however, was suspect because of its Christian funding. After a year, the foundation sought to move the settlers to a new location in Cyprus, but only a few agreed. Most of them moved to Russia or England, or settled throughout Eretz Israel.