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Page Two
Purely
Cbmmentary
By PHILIP SLOMOVITZ
PRESENTING A WEIZMANNIST
Call us Weizmannist, if you wish.
In some quarters it has been interpreted
as "defeatism" so to align oneself with
the former president of the World Zion-
ist Organization. Your Commentator be-
lieves, however, that history will vindi-
cate the stand of the group which, like
himself, now s in the Minority.
What is Weizmannisin?
It represents a desire to negotiate with
the British, even though we must call
their policies "enemy tactics." It is a
complete repudiation of the extreme ele-
ments who, willy-nilly, give comfort to
terrorists and terrorism. It is a desire to
achieve peace and security in Palestine
through uninterrupted conferences.
Actually, negotiations are going on,
and even those who voted with the slim
majority against the Weizmann viewpoint
are now conferring with the British in
London. It is the only way of arriving
at solutions, and we can not abandon it.
Will the British continue to betray a
sacred trust in Palestine? The battle goes
On against betrayals. But it must be won
without losing our tempers and thereby
defeating our own purpose.
Furthermore, we have no right to give
comfort to that small group in Palestine
("demented desperadoes" is what the
Jewish Agency has called them) whose
brazen forms of defiance are contrary to
established policies of the recognized
Jewish forces in Eretz Israel.
Rabbi Jacob B. Agus recently made a
good case against the terrorists, in an
article in the Reconstructionist. Writing
under the appealing title "End the Ter-
ror!" Rabbi Agus made this important
point:
"Historical parallels are very popular
among those who refuse to recognize
the perfect analogies in our own his-
tory. So they say, 'did not the Irish
gain their freedom through terroristic
methods?' The answer is that the Irish
fought and lost. Britain crushed the
revolt of the Irish first; then she grant-
ed them in 1922 virtually the same
status she was willing to give them in
1916. Today, Britain has offered inde-
pendence to India; yet, if the Hindus
should revolt and try to obtain inde-
pendence by force, Britain will un-
doubtedly fight them, for she cannot
afford to retreat in the face of force."
There will be as little unanimity on
this viewpoint as we have on all issues
affecting Irgtrnists' defiance of Jewish
traditional law and Jewish self-disci-
pline in Palestine. But the point that
needs to be made is that Dr. Chaim
Weizmann is right when he opposes de-
structive methods in fighting against ty-
ranny in Palestine.
Dr. Israel Goldstein, in his address
in Detroit last week, challenged the
Weizmann view with the declaration that
there are Zionists, rabbis among them,
who have their own interpretation of
what is and wliat is not Jewishly ethical
in the resistance movement. In this in-
stance, our vote is on the Weizmann side:
that it is not in consonance with Jewish
principles to condone extremism.
Our view is that resistance is proper
and desirable, provided that it is short
of taking lives, destroying property or
resorting to hold-ups. Therefore, we are
for Haganah but can not tolerate Irgu-
• nism.
•
•
•
MORGENTHAU AND ZIONISM
A trio, composed of a Jew, a Christian
and an Arab, has been inserting full-page
advertisements in the N. Y. Herald
Tribune allegedly in opposition to Zion-
ism. Actually, these advertisements were
outrageous displays o_: anti-Semitism.
In a letter to the Herald Tribune,
Elisha M. Friedman, eminent historian
and an authority on Zionism, refuted
statements made by this trio. He es-
pecially repudiated attempts to quote 30-
and 40-year-old statements by men like
the late Jacob H. Schiff and the late
Henry Morgenthau Sr. Mr. Friedman
presents factual data to show that Mr.
Schiff had aided the Zionist cause. With
reference to the elder Morgenthau who
passed away several weeks ago, Mr.
Friedman wrote:
"In my several conversations in the
last few years with Mr. Morgenthau,
he disavowed his opposition to Zionism
in view of the tragic murder of six
million Jews in Central Europe."
In view of the known militant opposi-
tion to Zionism by the elder Morgenthau
a generation ago, this statement is of
particular interest for, the sake of com-
plete historical accuracy. It is important
also at this time in the interest of the
United Jewish Appeal, the general chair-
manship of which is held by Henry Mor-
genthau Jr., whose strong stand in sup-
THE JEWISH NEWS
Friday, February 7,
A Singing People
Music Festival Stirs Response
By GEORGE PERRY
In response to the demands of hundreds of organizations, musical groups, syna-
gogues and community centers which last year participated in Jewish Music Week,
the Jewish Music Council, sponsored by National Jewish Welfare Board and
representing 54 National -Jewish organizations, has announced a "Jewish Music
Festival" lasting one month—from Feb. 7 to March 6.
In 1945, when for the second year the Jewish Music Council launched its music
project "to foster and coordinate the Jewish musical activities in as many commun-
ities as possible," it was unprepared for the nation-wide, and even world-wide re-
sponse to its program. Jewish Music Week was observed, according to reports that
reached the Council, in Shanghai, South America, Bombay and India.
In the U. S., the response of the Jewish community was instantaneous and
overwhelming. Coming as it did amidst times of turmoil for the Jewish peOple, the
response of the participants in the 200 organizations and music groups assumed the
aspect of a burning protest carried out through a musical medium—Jewish music.
Two events which served as "curtain raisers" this year, augur well for the suc-
cess of "Jewish Music Festival." Following action of the Synagogue Council of
America Feb. 1 was set aside for services dedicated to Jewish music. Another
event that sparked the "Festival" was the Jewish Festival program planned by the
JWB Metropolitan Jewish Music Council, in New York.
Interest in the Jewish Music Festival, organized by the JWB sponsored Na-
tional Jewish Music Council, will be heightened this year by the announcement of
a competition for the best musical composition. The Council will award a prize of
$1,000 for the best work of symphonic dimension; $500 for a chamber orchestral
work; and $500 for a musical play suitable to be performed by young people in
the form of an operetta or dramatic narrative for use on Jewish festivals in cen-
ters and "Ys." Funds for.the prizes have been made available by the the Morgen-
stern Fund of the Cleveland Jewish Community Council and the Esco Fund.
Between
You and Me
By BORIS SMOLAR
(Copyright, 1947, Jewish Telegraphic
Agency, Inc.)
THE PALESTINE PICTURE
Although Dr. Chaim Weizmann is" no
longer president of the Jewish Agency,
it is interesting to note that Colonial.
Secretary Arthur Creech - Jones is pri-
vately discussing the Palestine issue with
him ... The Colonial Secretary has vis-
ited Dr. Weizrnann at least three times
since the World Zionist 'Congress . .
Whether the present informal talks be-
tween the Zionist leaders and the British
government will leac_ to definite results
is still not clear because of the attitude
of Foreign Secretary Bevin, who is not
friendly to the Jewish demands . .. The
British government strongly desires a
positive outcome of the Conference on
Palestine, satisfactory to all parties .. .
From what is going on behind the scenes
it is apparent that Britain is willing to
increase the present immigration quota
to admit 80,000 Jews to Palestine within
two years . . . It also is ready to grant
wider independence to Jews in Palestine
by giving them what the British gov-
ernment calls "administrative partition"
. . . On the other hand the British pro-
pose the payment of considerable repar-
ations to the Palestine Arabs. • . . They
By ARNOLD LEVIN
By PHINEAS J. BIRON
also insist on the safeguarding of Eng-
(Copyright, 1947, Independent Jewish
(Copyright, 1947, Seven Arts)
land's interests in Palestine and on the
Press Service, Inc.)
I continuation of British rule there. . . .
PLEASE
NOTE
BEVIN
All in all, it amounts to a modified "fed-
A privately owned skating rink, "The eralization plan." . . . Some members of
Zionists who regarded Bevin as willing
to learn, have learned otherwise in the Icelandia" in Toronto, refused admis-1 the Cabinet feel that such a plan can be
past few days . . . Arthur Creech-Jones sion to a young Jeivish girl because— imposed upon both the Jews and the
also has caused some disappointment be- she was Jewish . . . The Jewish corn--; Arabs regardless of their objections, and
cause of his statement in Commons im- munity is surprised and aroused.
that the plan could obtain the approval
plying that Britain considered outlawing
• • •
of the United Nations.
the Jewish Agency. Those who have la-, NOTHING TO LAUGH AT
•
•
•
bored with him in pre-cabinet days still
Newsreels treat the Georgia Guber-; DOMESTIC AFFAIRS
contend, however, that he is a staunch
Anti-Semitism as a serious American
friend of Zionists, determined to sway natorial crisis humorously, and audien-
the cabinet to take a pro-Jewish State ces have a good time when the news-1 problem will receive its first thorough
line ... His threat in Commons, they say, i commentator jokes about it ...News Edi- cinematic examination in the production
was necessitated by his position, however tors should have known better . . . We of the screen version of "Gentleman's
it hurt him to make the threat ... Should might remind them that as late as No- Agreement," a novel by Laura Z. Hob-
Bevin's cardiac condition bring about his , vember 18, 1946 Herman Talmadge spoke' son currently appearing as a serial in
resignation, Hugh Dalton is almost cer- at a Ku Klux Klan barbecue held in Cosmopolitan Magazine. . . . 20th Cen-
tury-Fox has bought it for production
tain to replace him . . . Dalton's know- the Municipal Auditorium of Atlanta.
this year. . . . The story deals with a
• • •
ledge of foreign affairs is proverbial,
writer who receives an assignment to do
while Bevin might falter in the simplest RATHER STRANGE
geographical quiz . . . Dalton's is the'
The Protestant magazine in its current a Jew with shattering consequences to
strongest pro-Zionist influence in the issue gives the impression that Pierre his own life. ... A similar novel, "Focus",
British government today.
van Paassen's recent resignation as con- by Arthur Miller, was bought for the
•
•
•
tributing editor had nothing whatsoever screen last summer by King Bros., but
HOLLYWOOD
to do with the resignation of Joseph plans for its production are still nebu-
The American League for a Free Pales- Brainin as associate editor . . . This lous.
Bing Croslry-'s production of "Abie's
tine is meeting up with competition in might well be so .. But strangely enough .
Hollywood where Harry Steinberger, of both editors resigned on the same day— Irish Rose," which is considered by Jew-
ish organizations as furthering prejudice,
the American Zionist Emergency Coun- if not for the same reason.
was no great success in New York. . . .
cil, has been scouting around the past few
• • •
It ran on Broadway for only a few weeks.
weeks organizing support from the movie'
MORE THAN DISPLACED
The word "Jew" as a verb will be de-
colony behind the Council. Ben Hecht has
Isaac L. Asofsky, executive director of leted by the publishers from the next
made Hollywood League-conscious.
•
•
HIAS, reporting on his tour of Europe edition of Roget's Thesaurus where it
•
where he studied the Jewish DP situa- appears as a synonym for libelous words.
MAIL
The Universal African Nationalist
We have just received our first issue of tion, said that the word "displaced" is a
Judische Rundschau (Jewish Review) I misnomer . . . He described the refugees Movement, a pan-African Negro organi-
published by and for the liberated Jews as "deserted, dejected, destitute, des- zation, is conducting extensive anti-
of Germany . . . The tattered and shat- I poiled, despondent, desperate, despised, Semitic propaganda activities among the
tered DP community issues an excellent I disillusioned, defeated and deceived" per- Negro population of New York.
United Sons of America, a Klan-like
paper, that might serve as an example ; sons .. . Mr. Asofsky also praised the
to some affluent and secure Jewish corn- 1 Polish government for its unremitting Detroit group, is planning more activity
for 1947.
fight to end anti-Semitism.
munities in America.
Heard in
The Lobbies
Strictly
Confidential
port of the settlement of Jews in Pales-
tine is so well known.
• • •
BEST JUDICIAL TIMBER
This column makes it a rule not to
dabble in politics. But, as you know,
there are exceptions to the rule which.
often make 'the rule—and this is the ex-
ceptional instance found most interest-
ing and most deserving.
It involves the candidacy for the Cir-
cuit Judgeship of William Friedman,
eminent community lea- r.s. —
der, native Detroiter who
has gained the respect
and friends'hip of thou-
sands who appreciate his
qualities and who es-
pecially admire him for
his fairness, his judicial
temper, his intelligence,
honesty and knowledge
of the law.
Of particular interest- Al
in the career of thisJudge Friedman
a
splendid leader, who made. such
fine record on the bench, is that he is the
only Detroit Jew who has been able to
approach the record by the late Judge
Harry B. Keidan. Judge Keidan' was a
natural vote-getter who often led the
entire field of judges during political
campaigns. Judge Friedman, by receiving
more than 300,000 votes in the last elec-
tion (he lost the election by only a few
thousand votes), approached the mark
set by Judge Keidan. It was symbolic of
the esteem in which he is held by the en-
non-Jews
tire community, Jews and
alike, and is an indication of the strength
of his position for the Circuit Court
Judgeship in the forthcoming election.
BROADWAY GOSSIP
Milton Berle, whose decision to take
to the airwaves left that Copacabana job
for Danny Kaye, will preview perform-
ances of his new radio show in children's
hospitals in the New York area . . . A
different one each week.
Arthur Mayer and Joe Burstyn, dis-
tributors of "Open City," are going into
production in Italy with Roberto Ros-
sellini, director of the classic Italian
anti-fascist film.
Jules Munshin, of the "Call Me Mis-
ter" cast, is packing them in at New
York's Cafe Society Uptown.
Kirshna Nehru, Pandit's sister, took in
the show the other night . . . Her raves
join many others, including the New
York Stock Exchange Club's . Jules is
getting their plaque as the best comic to
emerge from the armed forces ... Watch
this lad, he's headed for stardom.
It's a boy, their third, for the Albert E.
Kahns . . . LIe's the former Dartmouth
track star, a former Detroiter, more re-
cently president of the Jewish People's
Fraternal Order, I.O.W., and co-author
of "The Great Conspiracy Against Rus-
sia."
•
WELL DONE
edition of
final
The fourth and
"American Jews in World War II" is now
in preparation ... This two volume saga
of Jewish participation in the war has
been written oy Irving Kaufman, a well-
in both the
known correspondent
European and Pacific theaters of war ...
It is based on the scrupulously authen-
ticated material compiled by the War
Records Bureau of the National Jewish
Plant a Tree
Inspired by Current Observance
of Hamisha Asar b'Shevat
By DR. N. E. ARONSTAM
Plant a tree, plant a tree,
Dry for once your tears;
The New Year of the Trees hath come,
Cast aside your fears!
The forest sings a paean,
The tree tops greet the sun;
The dew drops glisten and sparkle
As if by gold threads spun.
Plant a tree, plant a tree—
Behold the tree shall grow
Together with your growing hopes;
You shall reap as you will sow!
The groves intone a choral,
Wreathed in garlands green;
And shadows play with sunbeams
Trem1ing figure on a screen.
Plant a tree, plant a tree,
Dry for once your tears;
The New Year of the Trees bath come,
Cast aside your fears!
Welfare Board .. . Facts like these are
good weapons against "patriotic" bate..
merchants.
• • •
DID YOU SNOW
That the Jewish population in Pales-
tine has increased by 165,000 in the past
seven years—or 33% since the outset of
the war ... Half of this is accounted for
by immigration and the other half by
natural increase . . . The present Jewish
population totals 630,000 as compared
with 455,000 in 1939 .. . It is l times
greater than in 1919.