David Matlow’s fascination with Theodor Herzl began with seeing a portrait of the founder of Zionism in his grandparents’ living room in Ramat Gan, Israel.

Archie and Goldie Matlow had lived Herzl’s dream, moving there from Toronto in 1954, and young David found himself fascinated by the bearded, determined-looking man in the picture. After his grandmother died in 1991, David asked for the portrait — but he didn’t stop there.