Gofman Yakov (1891-1944)

Gofman (Hoffmann) Yakov (Jakov) (1891–1944) — Zionist activist, physician.

Yakov Gofman served in the First World War and became involved in the Zionist movement during his student years. He was among the founders of the international Jewish student union HeChaver. In Latvia, following Vladimir Jabotinsky's 1923 visit to Riga, he became one of the organisers and leaders of the Zionist-Revisionist Party and its youth wing, Brit Trumpeldor.

He also headed the Latvian branch of the Jewish National Fund (Keren Kayemet LeYisrael). Despite the animosity between non-revisionist and revisionist Zionists, Hofman participated in joint actions of Zionist organisations in Latvia — such as protests against British restrictions on Jewish immigration to Palestine.

He led the Jewish Physicians’ Association of Riga and was active in the Hakoah Jewish sports society. Beginning with the 11th Zionist Congress, he took part in all World Zionist Organisation congresses and served on the leadership bodies of the international Zionist movement.

In 1935, along with Vladimir Jabotinsky, he left the World Zionist Organisation and moved to Paris, where he joined the leadership of the Zionist-Revisionist movement. Since 1934, he had resided in Palestine.