Purely Commentary
• By PHILIP SLOMOVITZ
That the Stranger Live Happily in Your Midst'
The finest sermon on freedom will be found, in capsule form
in the Diaries of Dr. Theodor Herzl, the founder of the modern
political Zionist movement and of the World Zionist Congresses.
Herzl wrote:
"My last instruction to the Jewish people: Build your state
in such fashion that the stranger will live happily in your
midst."
We doubt if an equally powerful act of combined justice and
statesmanship will be found anywhere else, among the papers of
the statesmen of the world.
And the good result is that the stranger veritably is happy
in Israel's midst.
Is there any wonder that this Passover, in the year 5710,
is so exhilarating to all lovers of freedom?
In wishing the entire household of Israel all the joy that is
due to libertarians, your Commentator offers a few more capsule
comments on freedom and the right of men to live happily with
their neighbors.
*
*
A Capsule Sermon: Resisting 'the Threat of Aggression'
On the eve of Christmas of 1949, the mother of a Christian
student and writer who makes his home in Jerusalem, Israel,
called to ask whether we could interpret for her the meaning of
his cable which read:
"Bethlehem Sold, Jerusalem Solid,
Abdullah Cold, Me Just Stolid."
A mother's natural anxiety over the well-being of a son so
far away made her wonder what he meant and she sought as-
surances from your Commentator who had just returned from
Israel and the Holy City. While we assured her that all was
well in the Israel portion of Jerusalem where her son resides, we
could not figure out the first two words in the cable. Buto before
another day had passed, the lady called to say that she had the
solution: "Bethlehem Sold" meant that he had sold his article
on Bethlehem.
This Commentator could not resist the temptation of writing
a piece in this column on "Security in Jerusalem," with the
comment that it was "encouraging to know that the Detroit
Christian is happy in Jewish Jerusalem, that he is studying He-
brew, that he is selling his articles, that he is translating import-
ant books."
George—whose last name we continue to withhold, not hav-
ing his permission to use it—must have received a copy of our
Dec. 30, 1949, issue carrying this item, and he wrote us this note
from Jerusalem:
Herewith, the follow-up to your recent remarks about the
"security" of "the Detroit Christian in Jerusalem."
My friends and I will determine our security.
We will consolidate our military position in the Jerusalem
Corridor and elsewhere, and our economic position in the state
as a whole.
We will resist the threat of aggression, whether it comes
from Amman, or 'Rome, or Lake Success; thus, to the best of •
our ability we will ensure the home of the exile.
Above all, we will continue with the gradual obliteration
of the artificial marks and labels which distinguish, and sep-
arate, man from man.
The lesson in this "capsule sermon" is too strong to need
additional elaboration. One thing is clear: the Detroit Christian,
having witnessed Israel's development and Jerusalem's determina-
tion to survive as the capital of the Jewish state, apparently has
thrown in his lot with the defenders of freedom.
Do you need a better story on the value of liberty and on the
strength of character of people who "resist the threat of aggres-
sion?" For us, this little note is one of the most heartening
messages that could come to a Jew on Passover.
*
Lilienthal and Freedom of Expression
One of the finest commentaries on freedom of speech was
made recently by David E. Lilienthal, the able former chairman
of the Atomic Energy Commission.
An AP story from Philadelphia stated that Lilienthal, who
gave weariness of Senatorial heckling as part of his reason for
resigning from the important AEC post, "has
taken ironic revenge on two of his most outspoken
critics.—Senator Bourke B. Hickenlooper of Iowa
and Kenneth McKellar of Tennessee." Lilienthal
said that as a private citizen he had to have a
card for use in the public library of Georgetown,
Md., near his home. He needed two references and
gave the names of the two Senators.
That's what we call making complete use of
freedom of expression—with a vengeance and an
application of a touch of humor.
Next, Prof. Albert Einstein of Princeton Uni-
versity and world fame should give Congressman
D. E. LilienthalJohn E. Rankin of Mississippi as reference.
As for us, if we needed it, we would offer as references the
names of the Rev. Charles E. Coughlin and Lessing Rosenwald.
2
—
THE JEWISH NEWS
t'r Way, March 31, 1950
U.S. Protests Arabia's
Refusal of Visas to Jews
WASHINGTON — (JTA)-
The State Department said
that it has made representa-
tions to Saudi Arabia over
the refusal of that country
to issue transit visas to
American Jewish passengers
on international planes using
the Dhahran airport without
American "certificates of re-
ligion."
Saudi Arabian visa officers
have been demanding the
certificates from American
Jewish passengers. The State
Department informed Saudi
Arabia that it does not per-
mit differentiation between
its citizens on the basis of
race or religion. For this rea-
son, U.S. Consulates have re-
fused to supply Saudi Arabia
with the required certificates.
Center Honors County Artists
The Jewish Community Center came into its own as a show
place for Wayne artists at its opening Thursday evening, March
23, continuing the first annual Wayne County Artists Show
through April 20. This exhibition now places the Jewish Com-
munity Center as a new focal point for artists of our community.
The Center's $50 award went to veteran Robert Quigley for
Congressmen Confer
With Acheson on the
Arms Sales Question
Direct, JTA Teletype Wire
To The Jewish News
WASHINGTON—Twenty seven
members of the House of Rep-
resentatives on Tuesday con-
ferred for one hour with Secre-
tary of State Dean Acheson on
the shipment of British arms to
Arab countries.
Democratic Congressman Tau-
riello of New York, who acted
as chairman of the group, said
that the secretary made the
following point.
There is no cause for alarm
over the rearmament of Egypt,
Syria and other Arab nations.
The Secretary said the British
sale of military supplies is to
preserve the balance of power in
the Middle East and is not for
the purpose of aggression.
Acheson told the lawmakers
that the State Department is
considering t w o applications
from Israel for the purchase of
American arms. One application
is for the direct purchase of ra-
dar, range finders and other
highly technical equipment.
The other application is for
an export license for this ma-
terial.
One• Republican, Congressman
Lathan of New York, was in the
group.
The hour - long session was
devoted to questions by the Con-
gressmen and answers from Ach-
eson on American policy toward
Israel and the rest of the Middle
East. The states represented by
the Democratic Congressmen in-
cluded Ohio, Missouri, New York,
Wisconsin, Illinois and Pennsyl-
vania.
Alger Backs Absentee
Vote Plan for Orthodox
THE SPECTATORS' BY ROBERT QUIGLEY
"The Spectators," a sensitive painting of a group of Negro boys
and girls, well realized in fine color, mood and excellent space
relationship. Dr. and Mrs. Arthur Bloom $25 prize went to Renee
Kaupiz for the watercolor "Bay Port," particularly attractive in
its handling of watercolor technique and perceptive in color and
design. The Mrs. John Immerman $25 prize was awarded Helen
Boose for "Michelle," a tender oil painting of. a girl with a vase;
executed in warm harmonious color tones and fine linear drawing.
Honorable mentions included Peggy Midener's "Still Life," a
well balanced arrangement of varying objects in lively color and
line; Wilma Simonton's "A Sunny Morning," composing simplified
sun and shadow forms in well related colors and excellent picture
quality, and Charles Culver's "Turtle," a masterful semi-abstrac-
tion of intricate linear pattern and clear, flat color washes. Other
honorable Mentions went to Mary Milliman for her imaginative oil
"Ulysses and the Sirens," a rich, freely-painted surface of large,
simplified forms, and to Robert Palmer for "Two Old Crows," a
well ornamented panel illustration of Vachel Lindsey's poem.
Honorable mention in sculpture was awarded "Contortionist"
by Margaret Sauer, a plaster abstraction, relating shapes and
movement in space.
Entries by Sarkis Sarkisian and Walter Midener represented
the more sophisticated element, Sarkisian showing a delicately
handled, sensuous nude, and Midener entering a handsome wood
carving of a kneeling figure. elongated, and expertly handled, ex-
pressive in mood. Sam Bernstein's striking black and white
"Dancer" belongs in this category.
"Century No. 7," an abstraction of vertical lines in warm color by
R. Farrell, "A City" by Sarah H. Lance; another abstraction des-
cribing the city in busy small blocks of color and Seymour Le
Vine's well painted "Still Life with Pumpernickle" are equally
deserving of attention. "Down River" by Josephine Immerman
shows sparkling sun-lit water and summer atmosphere in a highly
personal technique. John A Siegel entered a glowing snow scene,
sparkling and solidly painted.
Of special note are the two pieces of sculpture by Morris
Brose, ex-business man and one-year student of modelling whose
portrait of a young girl shows ability and promise. There are a
good number of Sunday painters, a delightful primitive of a "A
Village," by Martha Varras, all of whom hold up well with the
professionals and students, lending a great deal of charm and
vitality to the show.
The entire exhibition is of unusual merit, offering a spring
review for Wayne artists of all facets of art. and is completely
refreshing in its cosmopolitan outlook. The pictures are not well
hung, to the disadvantage of many, and it is to be hoped that in
the future more attention will be given to this important aspect.
The show was under the management of Mrs. Arthur Bloom
and her committee. The jury consisted of Constance Richardson,
an artist of national reputation, and wife of the director of The
Detroit Institute of Art; Samuel Cashwan, well known to our
community as a fine sculptor of national renown; Dr. Jane B.
Welling, head of the art department of Wayne University, one of
Detroit's most energetic and creative personalities, and Frances
Quint, active in Detroit art circles and a. competent artist in her
own right. Your reviewer was also on the jury.
. The Jewish Community Coun-
cil's request to Gov. Williams to
the special session of the Mich-
igan State Legislature exten-
sion of the privilege of absen-
tee voting td those who would
be prevented to exercise their
vote in the Sept. 12 primaries
because of Rosh Hashanah re-
ceived further support from Sec-
retary of State Fred M. Alger,
Jr.
Alger said in a statement to
Free
By Wishing It
Voltaire is responsible for the wise saying that "man is free the press, "that many orthodox
Jews will not go to the polls
the moment he wishes to be."/
Sept. 12 because of the holiday.
No greater truth ever was uttered.
How did it happen that Israel became free? For the sole I think," he stated, "the law
reason that the people wished it. True, they also were willing to should permit those who can
fight for their liberty. But they had to wish it first—and they did! not vote on a certain day for
Blessed be those who wish to be free! They set in motion the religious reasons to cast absen-
movement that makes all men free! That is why Passover is the tee voters' ballots."
The Council's request is un-
universal festival commemorating the beginning of the great der
consideration by Clark Ad-
human revolt for freedom.
TEL AVIV, (JTA)—Syrian
ams,
Our blessings to all for a happy Passover and everlasting free- nor. legal advisor to the Gover- troops oh March 23 withdrew
dom!
from a height in the Tel Azziziat
Bloc to Study Religious
area, near Kibbutz Dan. The
Education in Israel
NEW YORK, (JTA) — The evacuation was arranged at a
United Religious Bloc of seven-hour meeting of the mixed
An extensive program has witnessed in our own days; America has appointed a dele- Israel-Syrian armistice commis-
been prepared for the reception establishment of the Jewish gation of prominent rabbis and sion.
The area was declared a de-
of Israel poet Shin Shalom on State; return of the Exiles; and laymen to proceed to Israel and
revival of the Hebrew lan- make an on-the-spot study of militarized zone by a sub-corn-
Monday evening, April 10, in the the
guage.
all phases of religious education mittee of the body which was
Rose Sittig Cohen Bldg. audi-
It is part of his mission here in the immigrant camps.
formed eight months ago and
tori urn.
to tell American Jewry of those
which completed its work last
The
delegation
will
also
nego-
Both a mystic and realist in miracles. Shalom's address will
with Orthodox groups in Monday. The evacuation and
his poetic writings, Shalom is be given in Hebrew and trans- tiate
concerning various pro- destruction of military fortifica-
the decendent of a famous fam- lated into English. An introduc- Israel
for bringing about closer tions there must be completed
ily of Hassidim. He holds that tion to the poet and his works posals
contact between the Religious by April 4, at which time the
Israel has finally given the Jew- will be given by Rabbi Morris Bloc
in the Jewish state and UN chairman of the commission
ish poet firm ground and speaks Adler in English. Everyone is in- the United
States Religious Bloc will check for compliance.
of the three miracles we have vited to attend the reception.
of America.
The commission also discussed
—
Syrian Army Withdraws From Israel
Territory; Demolish Fortifications
Shalom to Discuss Miracles of Israel
the capture of three Israel fish-
eries inspectors by the Syrians
last month, but again reached
no decision.- By a majority vote,
the commission declared a vio-
lation of the armistice the ar-
rest and kidnapping of an Israel
citizen by Syrian troops near Tel
Hamma, recently. Also dealt with
was the problem of providing
police for the demilitarized areas
between Israel and Syrian posi-
tions.
At an informal meeting of the
Israel-Transjordan mixed armi-
stice commission in Jerusalem
the Arabs pressed a complaint
that Israel forces crossed Into
Transj ordan-held territory in
the Belt Jibrin area of South-
ern Palestine.