Tear Them Out!
As -the Editor
Views the News
Book Exposes Prejudice ;
Strong Justice Weapon
Spain's 'Al Het'
A brochure entitled "Spain and the Sep-
hardic Jews" published by the Spanish Em-
bassy in Washington, seeks to prove that Gen.
Francisco Franco's regime treats the Jews in
Spain well.
Of particular interest is the attempt of this
pamphlet to prove that the Jews were ex-
pelled from • Spain in the 15th century for
"religious and not for racial reasons." It is a
belated "al het" (sin atonement) which seeks
a 20th century scapegoat for 15th century
transgressions.
The Spanish leaflet states that since the
period of the Spanish Inquisition the Spanish
Government has from time to time inter-
vened in behalf of Sephardic Jews living out-
side Spanish territory. Until Franco assumed
control of Spain in 1939, the pamphlet noted,
"Spain's protection of the Sephardic Jews was
more potential than actual." Sephardic Jews
living in Vichy France were offered protec-
tion by Spanish consuls in France, the leaflet
states, recalling that in 1942 the Madrid con-
sul-general in Paris reported that he "had
been able to get the Sephardim excepted from
the compulsion to wear the Star of David."
These are sweet words which prove noth-
ing. The Spanish Inquisition remains a blot
on history and the church and it can only be
wiped out by the complete elimination of
injustice in Spain.
In many minds, it will always remain a
problem whether the Jews will nullify the
"herem" (excommunication) which was im-
posed by our people upon Spain after the
Inquistition. It is questionable whether the
"herem" on Germany, which still retains the
blemishes of Nazism, can be removed.
It is easy to say "al het" today. But the
gesture comes very late. Only the totally
free world, made possible by Israel's inde-
pendence, can facilitate a new forgive-and-
forget policy with relation to Spain.
A Great Decision
Israel's redemption has brought miracle
upon miracle; change upon change.
A pronouncement by Israel's Chief Rab-
binate, made last week in Jerusalem, revolu-
tionizes Jewish religious life and points the
way to the revival_of a court similar to the
Sanhedrin of old for the enforcement of
changes in Jewish practices.
Israel's Chief Rabbinate has proclaimed
that henceforth the anniversary of Israel's in-
dependence—the fifth day of Iyar—is to be
treated like Lag b'Omer during the Sefira
period and wedding ceremonies are to be
permitted on that day from now on.
It is a great—and a wise—decision which
again symbolizes the great era in which we
live.
This, indeed, is another occasion for a
Shehecheyanu.
Postponement at UN
Israel's enemies again are at work. It is
Most unfortunate that a large group of na-
tions should have followed Great Britain's
leadership to force postponement of action on
the Jewish State's application for admission
to the United Nations.
It is possible that the Vatican's encyclical
on the internationalization of Jerusalem may
have had something:). to do with the stand
something
countries, most
taken by the
Latin
of which voted for postponement. The rep-
resentatives of the United States were too
weak in their stand and Israel, apparently
overconfident, was unprepared for the last
stand.
We are hopeful, however, that favorable
action may be taken at the present session
of the UN General Assembly. A strong stand
by the U. S. delegation surely can and will
accomplish the desired end.
THE JEWISH NEWS
Member Jewish Telegraphic Agency, Seven Arts Fea-
ture Syndicate, King Features, Central Press Association,
Palcor NeWs Agency.
Published every .Friday by The Jewish News Publishing
Co.. 2114 Penobscot Bldg., Detroit 26, Mich. WO. 5-1155.
Subscription $3 a year: foreign $4.
Entered as second class matter Aug. 6,1942 at Post Office,
Detroit. Mich., under Act of March 3, 1879.
PHILIP SLOMOVITZ, Editor
VOL. XV — No. 6
Page 4
April 22, /949
Sabbath Scriptural Selections
This Sabbath the twenty-fourth day of Nissan,
5709, the following Scriptural selections will be
read in our synagogues:
- Pentateuchal portion—II•Same
'How to Secure These Rights?'
7eArt,f4AProc
Weizmann Institute of Science
Dr. Chaim Weizmann, President of Israel, has taken time
out from his. official duties and from his scientific activities
to come to this country and to re-enlist support for the
Weizmann Institute at Rehoboth. It is a trying task for a man
with so many responsibilities, and whose health demands
that he reduce travel to a minimum. But the Rehoboth
Institute is one of his major loves and its needs are too
important in this era of feverish effort for the Jewish State
to be slowed to any degree.
While__ it is expected that the dinner in honor of Dr.
Weizmann, to be held at the Waldorf Astoria in New York
on Saturday night, April 23, will bring contributions in the
amount of $500,000, it is urgent that such a successful result
should not be taken for granted and that every Jewish com-
munity in America should plan participation in this important
proj ect.
With a dozen buildings already at its disposal in Reho-
both, the Weizmann Institute has a staff of 300 outstanding
scientists who are daily tackling the Israeli supply problems.
Many discoveries are on record to the credit of Dr. Weiz-
mann and his associates, one of Dr. Weizmann's latest achieve-
ments being the discovery of a method by which vegetable
proteins not easily assimulated into the body can be converted
into a product suitable for human consumption.
Weizmann Institute scientists are seeking to determine
what plants can grow in the desert's salty sand that blankets
the Negev. They developed a lens. that made it possible to
shoot three miles in night warfare and bewildered the Arabs.
Orange groves were protected during the war through a
chemical, developed by the Institute, that withered only
certain branches that were in the way and allowed the orange
crop to mature.
These are only a few of the very recent contributions
to science—and to Israel—made by the Weizmann Institute.
It is the only establishment for scientific research in the
Middle East and one of five of the most important in the
entire world.
Jewry owes a great debt to Dr. Weizmann and his fellow
scientists for their great efforts.
Israel's President's visit in this country is an occasion
for deserved honors to be extended to the greatest living
Jew and for support to be given his important scientific
institute. In welcoming Dr. Weizmann to this country, on
his first .visit here since his inauguration as President of
Israel, we call his scientific accomplishments to the attention
of our readers with an expression of hope that a large Detroit
delegation will attend the dinner in his honor °Saturday
night and that Detroit's contribution to the Weizmann In-
stitute will be commensurate with its great values to our
people.
Belated U. S. Action on DPs
An entire year's efforts in preparing "the
documentary report of anti-Semitism today" has
resulted in an outstanding and a most informative
work by Ruth G. Weintraub, under the title "HOw
to Secure These Rights?"
Published by Doubleday & Co. (14 W. 49th St.,
New York 20), this volume is a result of investiga-
tions made by Bnai Brith Anti-Defamation,
League directors throughout the country in fields
of discrimination, with special reference to hous-
ing and "restricted resorts," the "quota" systems
in colleges, discrimination in employment and
professional anti-Semitism.
Dr. Weintraub, in her ably compiled records,
exposes the dangers that continue to threaten
American democracy and the Jewish people - from
anti-Semitic groups. The ugly facts of bigotry are
revealed in analyses that are presented in care-
fully compiled figures.
In her study of educational problems, Dr. Wein-
traub quotes the following facts arrived at in a
study made by the Jewish Community Council of
Detroit:
"A survey of application blanks of Michigan
colleges and universities showed that 81% of the
non-denominational colleges in Michigan asked
potentially discriminatory questions on 1948 ap-
plication forms.
"Obviously, application blanks as prima facie
instances of discrimination are still in the Ameri-
can educational pattern. This suggests the neces-
sity for an action program to eliminate these out-
ward signs of discrimination in the selection of
students."
The evidence in "How to Secure These Rights?"
presents facts and figures, names places and gives
dates, and is, in its totality, irrefutable. It emerges
as a valuable weapon in the fight on prejudice
and in the effort to eliminate discrimination in all
areas in our great land.
The year 1948, a "year of great gains, violent
reactions and, in certain areas, increased discrim-
ination" should go down "on the credit side of the
ledger" in the fight on anti-Semitism, the Anti-
Defamation League of Bnai Brith declares in its
survey made public by New York Supreme Court
Justice Meier Steinbrink, national chairman of the
League.
The nationwide study, prepared under the
supervision of Jacob Grumet, chairman, and
Arnold Forster, director of the League's civil
rights division, charts the trends and patterns of
anti-Semitism during 1948 and details the extent
to which discrimination against Jews exists in
housing, employment, education, the professions
and other areas of American life.
Ha milon-Hebrew Words
Editor's Note: This is the first in a series
.of features which will enable the reader to
develop an interest in Hebrew and to to follow
the events in Israel with keener baCkground
and understanding.
Nasi — President — term originally used to de-
scribe a tribal leader.
Segan-Nasi—Viee . President.
K'nesseth—Constituent Assembly. Similarly,
Beth K'neseth means a house of worship.
Yeshiva — a sitting of the assembly. Also, a
school or place of learning.
Shabbat Ivrith—Hebrew Sabbath. Traditionally
devoted to the first Sabbath in Nissan.
Sabra—a native born Palestinian.
_Kibutz—a collective farm settlement.
Moshav—a cooperative farm settlement.
Histadruth—common name for organization. In
Israel, the reference is usually to the labor party,
In America, Histadruth Ivrith is the national .or-
ganization for Hebrew language and culture.
Haaretz—the land.. Davar—thing of message.
Haboker—the Morning (a.m.). Hatzofeh—Lookout.
Names of leading newspapers in Israel.
(Issued as a public service by the Histadruth Ivrith of
America, 165 W. 46th St., New York, national organization
for the promotion of the Hebrew Language and Culture.)
Facts You Should Know .
Why do some Jewish sects hold weddings in
the open air? (Submitted by A.D., Chicago.)
From most descriptions and explanations of
this custom the principal factors in open air wed-
dings is that they are held at night under the
stars. This is claimed to be a symbol of produc-
tivity which is the true aim of any marriage. Its
origin is said to have dated back to the days of
Abraham, the first Jew. The Bible says: "And
he brought him (Abraham) forth outside and said
`Look now toward Heaven, and count the stars,
if thou shalt be able to count them,' • And he said
unto him 'So shall thy seed be!" (Genesis 15:5).
At last, prospects look good for the adoption of half-fair
legislation to provide for the. admission of larger numbers
of displaced persons in this country.
In the House of Representatives, the Judiciary Commit-
tee already has approved a measure for the admission of
300,000 DPs. In the U. S. Senate, the Judiciary Committee
has assured a group of sponsors of liberal DP legislation—
including Homer Ferguson of Michigan—that speedy action
will be taken on their amendments.
Under provisions in the House Bill, anti-Semitic members
of Gen. Wladislaw Anders' Polish army will gain admittance
here, and there remain the dangers of pro-Nazi Germans
gaining advantage for entrance in the U. S. under the pending
bill. Sponsors of the measure undoubtedly are on guard
against possible abuses.
Action is being taken so late that the new DP legislation
hardly affects the surviving Jews in Europe. Most of them
already have settled in Israel, about 80,000 more will leave
DP camps for the Jewish State this year and only about
25,000 will be left to await visas from the United States and
other democratic countries. It is good to know, however,
that as a result of the determined efforts by President Tru-,
man, Senator Ferguson and a large group of legislators, a
wrong is being righted and survivors from Nazism of all
faiths at last will have a better opportunity, under revised
Why does the couple face eastward in tra-
ditional marriages?
In a synagogue this direction faces the Ark and
it is quite logical to have the bride and groom
face the Ark in due respect and in beseeching the
Lord to bless their union with happiness and
success. In addition thereto, eastward is the di-
rection facing the Holy Land, which is ever kept in
mind in all Jewish ceremonies. Eastward is also
the direction of optimism since it is the direction
from which the sun rises.
*
Why is a memorial prayer chanted for
the deceased parent of an orphan bride or
groom under the wedding canopy? Doesn't
this tend to throw gloom on a happy occasion?
Mystic sources claim that the soul of the de-
ceased parent comes to the wedding and rejoices.
Certainly the parent is worthy of rememberance
upon this day. Some writers attach this custom to
the claim that Bride and Groom are forgiven all
their sins on their wedding day. The .day is there-
fore a Day of Atonement for them and on the Day
of Atonement it is always customary to remember
the dead; for they too are forgiven because of
legislation, to find havens in this great land.
the prayers and good deeds of their children.
rN