The Second Aliyah began in 1904 and continued until 1914. The second Aliyah was made up of young idealist immigrants from Russia and Poland. The Kishinev Pogrom spurred many to leave Europe. Guided by the newly established Zionist organization, numerous potential emigrants were encouraged to consider Palestine as their destination. The immigrants were idealistic and most were socialists. They believed in the power of Jewish labor to transform the country. While the immigrants from the first Aliyah had employed Arabs on their farms, the members of the second Aliyah believed in “Avodah Ivri” (Jewish labor). Members of the second Aliyah founded a number of kibbutzim (communal farms). The first kibbutz was at Degania.

They also formed the first Jewish self defense organization Hashomer. The second Aliyah transformed Palestine. Its members founded Tel Aviv, which became the largest city in Palestine. They were also responsible for reviving Hebrew as a modern language. They established labor organizations and created the first long lasting framework for the future establishment of the State of Israel. Members of the second Aliyah included David Ben Gurion, Itzahk Ben Tzvi and Berl Katznelson.