Page Two Purely Commentary F By PHILIP SLOMOVITZ HATS OFF TO HOLLANDER Sidney Hollander of Baltimore, presi- dent of the National Council of Jewish Federations and Welfare Funds, emerged as a most courageous leader at the East Central States Regional Conference held in Detroit. last week-end. He calls a spade a spade and is fear- less. Associated with Bnai Brith, Ameri- can Jewish Congress and American Jew- ish Committee, he did not hesitate to criticize ALL national civic-protective or- ganizations for creating confusion in Jew- ish ranks at a time when there should be unity in fighting the growing trend of anti-Semitism in this country. A few more speeches by Mr. Hollander, and there is reason to believe that he will mobilize all of American Jewry behind him in an effort to pirt an end to what he called "millions of dollars worth of con- fusion." The overlapping of activities is an ap- palling demonstration of a fight for vested interests. Let there be an end to it. OTHER EXAMPLES OF CONFUSION There are many examples of confusion in Jewish ranks in this country. Take the typical example of national conventions being held at nearly the same time. Hadassah's convention was held last week. The United Palestine Appeal Con- ference followed almost immediately in Chicago. The World Jewish Congress will convene on the very eve of the ses- sions of the American Jewish Conference. Thus, people who are interested in related movements are unable to attend important conventions because they are grouped so closely together. Can't we get together? CEREMONIAL OBJECTS American Jewish leaders are quite evi- dently showing a deep interest in the preservation of Jewish historical objects. In recent years, the Museum of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America has become one of the world's most im- portant centers • for ceremonial objects. The Hebrew Union College in Cincin- nati has taken a similar interest in im- portant Jewish historical items. Proof that American Jews are con- cerned that the most important elements in Jewish life should be preserved is to be found, however, in the interest inch- viduals show in ceremonial art collections. A number of Detroiters are collecting Jewish ceremonial objects. Charles Fein- berg, Harvey Goldman, Samuel N. Hey- man, Rabbi and Mrs. A. M. Hershman and many others are collectors of im- portant objects. An advertisement in the current issue of The Jewish News searching for im- portant ceremonial objects indicates the growth of such interest. LITTMAN AND YIDDISH THEATER For 21 years, Abraham Littman had made the Yiddish theater his life's work. Year in and year out, he struggled to perpetuate activities on the Yiddish stage. This year, for the first time, he is com- pelled to reduce his efforts and to limit them to just a few specially sponsored performances. In previous years, the theater, by this time, had already functioned for a num- ber of weeks. This year, Mr. Littman ar- ranged for two Sunday performances and at this writing it is impossible to foretell whether there will be other pres- entations before long. We record these facts with deep regret. Mr. Littman has earned the community's support and encouragement. But, appar- ently, the Yiddish theater-supporting audience has been considerably reduced and there is little hope of the theater's permanent revival. There is no longer a permanent home for the Yiddish theater and another Yiddish institution has been reduced to a minimum. What is the future of the Yiddish thea- ter in this country? National leaders in the theater appear to be confident. In a recent interview with a JTA correspondent, Reuben Grus- kin, for 26 years the head of the Hebrew Actors' Union, stated: "It is difficult to forecast proportions which the Yiddish theater may achieve after some of the survivors of Nazi per- secution join its ranks. Instead of emerg- ing as frustrated, emasculated people, many will dazzle the world with a display of creative pyrotechnics which can only come from long-suffering liberated souls." We shall have to wait for future de- velopments to be able to judge whether the optimistic are justified in believing that the Yiddish theater will see a re- vival of activity and interest. In the meantime, it is a source of re- gret to us that Mr. Littman should be subjected to disillusionment after many years of loyal services to the Yiddish theater. THE JEWISH NEWS Dr. Weizmann's Untiring Fight For Jewish National Iltionaeland By LOUIS LIPSKY Former President, Zionist Organization of America For 30 eventful years, the intriguing personality of Dr. Chaim Weizmann stands out in a singular way as the incarnation of the struggle for Jewish national freedom. No other Jewish leader ever struggled with such persistence. He was the leader of the Return. He had to become the Interpreter of the Jewish martyrdom of our day. Zion was not intended merely as a refuge for the victims of the world's injustice. It was to be a symbol of reconciliation. No sooner were the Jews persuaded to begin their Return, when the promise of the Balfour Declaration began to fade. Dr. Weizmann's leadership was a long vigil of painful struggle, alternating hope and despair—which only deep-rooted faith and great vision enabled him to sustain through the years. The pattern of his Zionist life was never broken. He was born in a home, on a street, in a community, where the vocab- ulary of Zionism was a part of everyday life. His rebi was his teacher, in Zionism, his father his guide. He knew from his earliest days that Israel's hope would be fulfilled when God and Israel would be attuned to the miracle of a new creation. When the first World War broke out, destiny found Dr. Weizmann pre- pared for the task of leading. It was to this moment he had looked forward when England became his home. He shared the views of Theodor Herzl that England • was destined to become the guardian of Israel's hope—England, where Disraeli had ruled. He was transformed by his absorption in creating a Zionist political front in London. He had been an interpreter of Zionism at the Congresses. He acquired the approach of the statesman, the suavity of the diplomat. He became conscious of the world theater in which the Jewish drama was being played. He converted that steadfast and loyal friend, Gen. Jan Smuts, who in- fluenced imperial policy in the first war and plays the same gallant part in the present war. He carried through the lengthy negotiations that led to the issuing of the Balfour Declaration. He submitted the Zionist demands at the Peace Conference. He visited Palestine as chairman of th first official Zionist Commission. He laid the cornerstone of the Hebrew University on Mt. Scopus. This meticulous worker in a chemical laboratory, this debater on the floor of Zionist Congresses, was immersed in problems of finance, of settle- ment, of organization, and had to plan the action which was to follow the appointment of the First High Commissioner. The Jewish National Fund, the first pillar of organized Jewish nationality created by the Zionist movement, came to life in the days of Herzl largely as an expression of sentiment. The redemption of the land was an act of piety. The Keren Hayesod, the second pillar, was the inevitable consequence of the Balfour Declaration. The latter was the first maneuverable instrument of the Jewish State in "the process of becoming" which had achieved mobility in action. Dr. Weizmann came to us first as the missonary of the Keren Hayesod. He has spoken in many campaigns, at many dinners, in many intimate con- ferences. His message has reached the leading personalities in the American theater of political action. Dr. Weizmann has never been bound by formulas or programs or party limitations. The Return to Zion was a vision to be filled with realities through the work of Redemption. - He has been the one personality in the Zionist movement through whom all groups and categories could find a way of cooperation, and in whom all sensed a mystic kinship dissolving the walls of prejudice. It was this con- ception that made it possible for Dr. Weizmann to persuade non-Zionists in England, in Germany, and in the U. S., to join in the building of a Jewish Palestine. The Jewish Agency, organized in Zurich in 1929, was destined to have no luck. Louis Marshall died soon after the conference. His death was pre- ceded by the bloodiest riots ever witnessed in Palestine. The year 1929 saw the beginning of the deterioration of Zionism and of all Jewish life. The Passfield WOe Paper was the first of the black papers in which was reg- istered the effort of England to escape the obligations of the Mandate. The Peel Commission in 1937 suggested the partition of Palestine. That failing, the White Paper of 1939 came as the final act of desperation. The survival of leadership during this period of disintegration would have been a miracle. Dr. Weizmann realized that Jews had no power to restrain a world bent on self-destruction. In Zurich in 1931, Dr. Weizmann was forced to retire from office, the victim of Jewish frustration; but in 1939, an overwhelming majority of the Zionist Congress invited him to return as president. That moment was decisive in Dr. Weizmann's life. It was a moment of heroic decision. The crown of martyrdom was being offered to him. He will be remembered for his endurance during this period of travail— his proud and noble bearing, and the tirelessness of his effort. He made his memorable address to the Royal Commission. He was called upon to make the hazardous decisions regarding the proposal for the partition of Palestine. It was to him the White Paper of 1939 was sent. He had had to endure the long administration of 'High Commissioner who was determined to enforce the White Paper despite the tragic circumstances of Jewish life; and suffered the humiliation. of English officials turning Jewish victims of the war away from the shores of the Promised Land to perish in the sea. His refuge was the Rock of his Faith. The validity of that Faith is re- vealed in the Jewish State we have created. Along the narrow path of a receding Mandate, the National Home had become visible, potent, exciting. Its 47,000 population of 1918 became almost 600,000 in 1944. The Statesmen had failed to keep the promise, but not the martyred Jewish people. Once, when. defending these Statesmen, Dr. Weizmann asked: "What have yok the Jewish people, done to take advantage of the promise?" That was before Hitler. Dr. Weizmann would not ask that question today. He knows that his people have kept the Faith. Thus, at the age of three score and ten, Dr, Weizmann has lived to see the moment when his faith in Statesmanship will be justified in fulfillment or sealed in frustration for generations to come. Between You and Me By BORIS SMOLAR (Copyright 1944. JTA, Inc.) HERE AND THERE It can now be revealed that the Jewish Brigade, for a time, will not have, more than 8,000 men . . . It is composed of in- fantry, artillery, tank and air units . . . It also can be revealed that all British military commanders in the Middle •East objected to the establishment of a sep- arate Jewish Brigade and cabled their protests to the British War Office . . . They were overruled by Prime Minister Churchill who is proving himself more and more friendly to the Zionist cause ... This, of course, did not prevent him from summoning Zionist leaders in London and giving them a stern warning that the assassination of Lord Moyne may have serious repercussions on Zionist demands. Foreign Policy Association believes that the U. S. Government probably will ask Britain to review the whole Palestine question as part of an "expected re- examination" of the League of Nations' mandates. Heard in The Lobbies By -ARNOLD LEVIN (Copyright, 1944 Independent Jewish Press Service. Inc.) PALESTINE VARIETIES Did you know that the flag of the Jewish Brigade was chosen by Prime Minister Churchill himself? And that Jewish Palestine's volunteers now in service were adamant in their demand that the Hebrew designation on the shoulder patch precede the English one? Result: a compromise. The Hebrew one precedes, but it consists of initials only, while the English designation, at the bottom, is unabbreviated. Strange how Gen. Paget, British com- mander-in-chief of the Middle East, was so quick to announce that the assassins of Lord Moyne in Cairo were Jews, but has never revealed that the German parachutists caught in Palestine were agents of the Mufti of Jerusalem, Haj Amin el Husseini, now doing business from Berlin? Incidentally, why not an investigation of, the Palestine Arab Par- ty, consisting of Mufti's henchmen? Friday, Noveiniier 24, 1944 Strictly Confidential By PHINEAS J. BIRON (Copyright. 1944, by Seven Arts Feature Syndicate) LISTEN HERE American Jewry will before long be stunned to learn the details of an inci- dent that took place at Philadelphia a few weeks ago . . . We have promised not to mention names, but this is the gist of the story . .. A young Jew, standing in a crowd that was greeting Gov. Dew- ey, vociferously booed the Republican candidate . . . Two policemen grabbed him, administered a brutal beating, and dragged him off to the police station . , . His hearing was held before a 'Jewish judge, who fined him . . . The young man then had to be sent to a hospital for treatment for his injuries . . . Now here comes the redeeming feature of the tale: A complaint was lodged against the two policemen, and this complaint was heard before another judge . . . This second judge, a Catholic, set heavy bail for the policemen . . . Their case is coming up soon, and as a result the young Jew may be exonerated and just punishment dealt to the policemen, who have to learn that in a democracy one is permitted to applaud or boo in ac- cordance with one's likes and dislikes . . . Then there's the case of that rabbi who, on a train going from New York to Stamford, Conn., was assaulted by an anti-Semitic hooligan. * * * YOU SHOULD KNOW The Jewish Anti-Fascist Committee of Moscow has sent to the Jewish Black Book Committee a batch of eye-witness reports on Nazi atrocities . . . The Vaad Leumi of Palestine will do likewise . • . This material, together with the docu- ments compiled by the World Jewish Congress and the American Committee of Jewish Writers, Artists and Scientists, will be part of the JewiSh Black Book to be issued jointly by these four organ- izations. The oft-maligned New Zionist Organ- ization of America has just issued a White booklet setting forth in unmis- takable terms • its aims and principles and policies . . . It's worth reading. The American Committee for the Yu- goslav Relief Ship, now collecting cloth- ing, food and medicines, deserves your support . . . Among its sponsors a r e James Warburg and Mrs. Edward M. M. Warburg . .. If you want to help, com- municate with Zlatko Balakovic, 439 59th St., New York. * * * THE WORLD OF LETTERS Britain's policy on Palestine and India is in for a panning in the forthcoming book by Frances Gunther, according to advance reports . . . She's the former wife of correspondent John Gunther, and long active in Revisionist Zionist circles. Jekuthiel Ginsburgh, editor of "Scripta Mathematica," reports the receipt of two large volumes issued by the Soviet Aca- demy, listing the damage wrought by the Germans in this war to the progress of science . . . The report will be re- viewed in this unique quarterly journal. Alex Hillman, who five years ago published Pierre van Paassen's "Days of Our Years,' has launched a new picture and feature magazine called Pageant. * * * SHOW BUSINESS Orchids to Jacob Ben Ami, producer, director and star of "The Miracle of the Warsaw Ghetto," the four-star Yiddish smash hit at the Jewish Folk Theater in New York. There is no justification for the praise meted out by Chaplain Jacob K. Shank- man, USNR, to the • Hollywood picture "Mr. Skeffington" in the October issue of Liberal Judaism . .. Instead of deal- ing with the Jewish problem, as it pur- ported to do, the picture presented Mr. Skeffington as a Jew who enjoys being slapped about. Marine hero Barney Ross, out of the service with a medical discharge, is planning a vaudeville tour. Planning an early attempt at a screen comeback is Carmel Meyers, whom you may remember as a star of the silent films. * * ABOUT PEOPLE Going to France shortly in the inter- ests of American soldiers disabled in service is the newly elected president of the Disabled American Veterans, Mil- ton Dewey Cohn (his middle name, if you must know, was given him in honor of the Admiral). Frederick Backer, who had been re- ported missing in action, is now reported safe . . . Fred is the brother of George Backer, who is in Europe for the OWL The WMC's Mrs. Anna M. Rosenberg may get a big job in the War Depart- ment's rehabilitation service for return- ing service men.