Purely Commentary
By PHILIP SLOMOVITZ
Israel: 'Brief Periods of Glory' or Everlasting?
From the moment of their defeat by inferior numbers—
mostly unarmed youngsters, women and old men—the Arab states
have been clinging to their own "secret weapon": the hope that
Israel's economic "collapse" will in itself serve to destroy the in-
fant state. In Paris, at a recent meeting of the United Nations
Political Committee, Syria's UN delegate Ahmet Sukeiri arrogant-
ly warned Israel of an impending "storm that would tear her
structure down to its foundations." A protest from Israel's dele-
gate, Abba Eban, against such violation of the UN Charter by a
delegate (Syria's) who threatened to use force to "extinguish the
identity and political independence of another state," brought
the reply that Mr. Eban was "misquoting," but the Syrian's de-
nial was accompanied by a "prediction": that a "Jewish com-
missioner" would soon be appointed to govern Israel in behalf of
Moslems, Christians and Jews since Israel would be liquidated
"economically and politically."
So much for the Arab "hope." Other "predictions" have been
heard in recent weeks. Among the "prophets" is Dr.. Frederick
Watkins, Bronfman Professor of Political Science at McGill Uni-
versity, who predicted, in an address before the Intercollegiate
Zionist Federation of Montreal, "the collapse in the foreseeable
future of the new state of Israel." His argument was: Jews could
have contributed more to world culture in a "cosmopolitan" role
instead of statehood; that since Biblical times Jews were unable
to preserve independence in the face of imperialistic Asiatic and
African _pressures and that their state enjoyed freedom only dur-
ing "brief periods of glory." The distinguished professor said that
the reigns of David and Solomon formed one such brief period
of independence and expressed his belief that the present period
of statehood would not be more lasting than the previous ones.
We are challenged, therefore, to examine Israel's position and
to study the latter "warning," although, in a sense, we are more
concerned with the threat that comes from the Arabs. We would
be too hasty if we were to accuse Prof. Watkins of bias. As a stu-
dent of history he is entitled to his viewpoint. Our own experi-
ences prove that those with an urge for "cosmopolitanism" are
deluded idealists who fail to recognize the reality of an anti-
Jewish trend in many circles throughout the world which are
cloaked in "universalism." They would have us intermarry, merge
with our neighbors, abandon our cultural heritage, and enter the
museum. As "museum pieces" we would undoubtedly be admired.
But that implies disappearance. The Jew who aspires to survival
naturally rejects extinction. This is the basic reason for state-
hood for Israel: in spite of struggle it means home for those
finding. refuge there from lands that strive for Jewry's extinc-
tion, and inspiration for those of us who help end the homeless-
ness of the oppressed. The alternative to statehood would spell
death and destruction.
*
The Solvable Economic Problem
As we have stated, we are much more concerned with the
Arab threat because of the implied augury of an "economic col-
_lapse." The Arabs would be justified in their "hopes" if, with con-
tinued unlimited immigration to Israel, there were to come an
era of very serious decline in world Jewry's interest in Israel.
Israel's antagonists already are heartened by the depression that
has set in—the decline in the value of the pound, the admission
by the Finance Ministry that Israel's Treasury holds only 2,000,000
pounds of foreign - currency to cover 100,000,000 pounds of cir-
culated home currency, and the brief run on the banks that took
place last week on the eve of Premier David Ben-Gurion's state-
ment on his country's economic status. But these are temporary
and passing phases in the life of a nation.
We are not worried by a run on banks, especially one as spora-
dic as last week's in Israel. There have been runs on banks in
the United States and in Canada and in Great Britain_, yet no
one speaks of the "collapse" of these countries which have, in
the past, expected and faced with courage economic depressions.
We are not so sure in our own great and rich land of avoid-
ing an economic crisis in the years to come. But we have con-
fidence that America is strong and will survive crises. We have
similar confidence in Jewry: that our people will support the
Jewish state's courageous policy of rescuing the oppressed by
keeping the country's doors open to all who wish to enter; that
Jews will back up the young state with investments; that we
won't let the pioneers down.
It is true that such confidence must be backed up with facts:
are Jews buying bonds? Are we giving more to the United. Jewish
Appeal? Are we supporting the efforts to create technological
schools in Israel? Let the facts be known, and we have faith that
Jews will continue their traditional giving in support of Israel.
Let it be known that even those who pose as our friends—note the
daring young professor's appearance before a young Zionist group
with the prophecy that their kinsmen will collapse!—await our
downfall. In the face of such conditions, will Jews fail to buy
bonds, to give their free dollars for the integration of unfor-
tunate people into Israel's economy, to come forth courageously
with a positive program of aid for the Jewish state? The Arabs
and the McGill professor do not frighten us.
*
*
Statehood
—
EVERLASTING
Let us return to Prof. Watkins' prophecy: the periods of
Jewish statehood have been brief, he told the young Zionists,
predicting brevity for the present era. Our worthy professor over-
looks one fact: that even when statehood was not lasting, the
idea of Jewish independence and freedom has remained ever-
lasting. Jews never gave up hope of regaining their status in the
world as free men and women. Title to Israel was never given up
by Jews in any era.
Dr. Watkins and those who bask in the glory of the hope he
is presenting to them of an impending Israeli collapse would do
well to study Jewish history. They will learn a lesson in indomi-
tability. They will learn that there is a people that chooses to
be unconquerable. When they speak of the pressure upon this
nation from Asiatic and African imperialism, let them search
for the peoples whose imperialistic aspirations supposedly crushed
the previous Jewish Commonwealths. These peoples' "legacies"
and "cultures" are to be found only in museums. The peoples
themselves are non-existent.
Jews, we believe, prefer to be living symbols of a people that
seeks to inculcate into mankind a desire for the highest ethical
values which we first handed down to them in the form of a
Decalogue. We are not keen on seeing ourselves—or having others
see us—in museums. Therefore we choose to live. Therefore we
are merely amused by those who speak of a "collapse" of Israel.
"I shall not die but live, and declare the works of the Lord," de-
clared the Psalmist (118.17). Israel's and Jewry's answers to
false prophets of doom are incorporated in the echo created by
these undying and everlasting words.
2 — THE JEWISH NEWS
Friday, February 22, 1952
29,000 JWF Voters
Eligible to Cast
Ballots for Board
Invitations were issued to the
more than 29,0100 individuals who
are members of the Jewish
Welfare Federation by virtue of
their gifts to the 1951 Allied
Jewish Campaign to attend the
Federation's 26th annual meet-
ing, 8 p.m., March 4, at the
Woodward Jewish Center.
Highlights of the meeting will
be election of nine members-at-
large to the Federation board of
governors; presentation of the
Fred M. Butzel Memorial Award;
and reports on Federation ac-
tivities. Samuel H. Rubiner will
preside.
The committee to select the
second recipient of the Fred M.
Butzel Award, given annually
for distinguished c o In m u n a]
service, includes presidents of
local Federation agencies, Jerry
- Bielfield, Morris Garvett, Mrs.
John C. Hopp, Robert N. Jane-
way, Abe Kasle, Myron A. Keys,
Dr. Shmarya Kleinman, Julian
H. Krolik, Theodore Levin, Mil-
ton M. Maddin, Milton K. Mah-
ler, Max Osnos, Dr. Lawrence
H. Seltzer, George M. Stutz and
David Wilkus. Krolik was the
first recipient of the. award.
The slate submitted by the
Federation nominating commit-
tee includes Louis Berry, David
J. Cohen, Morris Garvett, Har-
vey H. Goldman, Mrs. Harry L.
Jackson, Theodore Levin, Max
Osnos, Hyman Safran and Abra-
ham Srere.
The Jewish News was in-
formed that the Jewish Com-
munity Council is following up
the decisions of its General
Assembly to back a slate of
candidates for the Federation
board of governors and for the
sponsorship of an amendment
to the Federation by-laws call-
ing for the granting of an ap-
propriate status to the Council.
It is believed that the Council
will endorse some of the candi-
dates proposed by the Federa-
tion's nominating committee.
Some of the Council's affili-
ated organizations, in addition
to urging support of the pro-
posed candidates, also are
urging their memberships to
support the amendment to the
by-laws which will be present-
ed at the Federation's annual
meeting on March 4. This
amendment recognizes the
uniqueness of the Community
Council, and, within the limits
of funds appropriated to the
Community Council, would
modify the Federation budget-
ing process to allow the Coun-
cil independence of judgment
as to specific projects in which
the appropriated funds are to
be employed. The amendment
reads:
ARTICLE VIII, SECTION 3.
Present Section 3 to be subsection (a)
under Section 3. Subsection (b) to be
added to Section 3.
Subsection (b) recognizing that the
Jewish Community Council is a central
coordinating. body of the organized Jew-
ish community in fields of its operation
as defined in its Constitution, total
annual appropriations to the Jewish
Community Council shall be determined
on the basis of Community Council's
estimated needs for all its activities. A
lump sum annual appropriation to the
Jewish Community Council shall be
granted upon the examination of budget
estimates submitted by the Council. Any
recommendations affecting the fields of
activities of the Council shall be con-
sidered by the Council, and the Council
shall make the final decision on such
recommendations. Notwithstanding the
provisions contained in preceding sub-
section (a), the Council may apportion
the lump sum appropriated to it to the
various items contained in its budget.
There shall be established a standing
Committee for the purpose of meeting
as often as necessary with a similar
Council Committee of equal size in order
to effect closer cooperation between and
make recommendations to these two
central community bodies.
Mrs. Roosevelt. impressed
By Visit to Jewish State
Volunteers Mobilized for
BIG Day Set for March 9
More than 150 volunteer cap-
tains met Tuesday to report
progress to date in recruiting
workers for Detroit's intensive
one-day effort in support of the
$500,000,000 State of Israel Bond
drive to be held on Sunday,
March 9.
After only one week of re-
cruitment, a total - of 455 volun-
teers have been enrolled.
Designated as BIG (Bonds of
the Israel Government) Day,
March 9 will be highlighted by
visits to the homes of Jewish
families throughout Detroit: The
captains who attended Tues-
day's meeting at Young Israel
will spearhead the large corps
of volunteer workers who will
carry out the one-day subscrip-
tion program.
Expressing his gratification at
the large attendance at the cap-
tains' meeting, Detroit Israel
Bond Committee Chairman Max
Osnos indicated his confidence
that BIG Day will produce a
record one-day sale of Israel
Bonds. He pointed out that ma-
jor national Jewish organiza-
tions—religious, communal and
fraternal—have gone on record
in support of the BIG Day pro-
gram, which is being carried on
simultaneously in communities
throughout the United States.
"This broad organizational
support," he stressed, "assures
BIG Day of the type of response
which it must have to provide
Israel with the investments it
needs for its industrial and agri-
cultural growth."
Bond sales on BIG Day in all
parts of the country will result
in the flow of large sums of
money to speed Israel on the
path to economic independence.
An official proclamation
naming Sunday, March 9, BIG
- Day was issued last week by
Major Albert E. Cobo, who
called on all citizens to give
the fullest possible support to
the Israel bond drive on BIG
Day and throughout the year.
A final captains' meeting next
Tuesday will be held to receive
reports on the number of BIG
Day volunteers recruited.
Those wishing to help Build
Israel with bonds on BIG day
should call the Israel Bond of-
lice, WO. 2-5091.
Yaacov Shapiro, attorney
general of Israel, was guest
speaker at last Tuesday's
meeting.
Mr. Shapiro stressed the ur-
gency of hurrying investment
dollars to Israel to enable the
young, struggling nation to ex-
pand its industry and agricul-
ture.
"These investment dollars
are needed immediately," Mr.
Shapiro declared. He said that
success of the BIG Day drive
is essential to provide the cash
Israel sorely needs at this
time.
Mr. Shapiro's statements were
received with an overwhelming
ovation from all those present
who pledged themselves to . an
all-out effort to enroll a record
number of volunteers for BIG
Day so that every- Jewish home
in Detroit will be visited and be
given the opportunity to become
part of the ever-growing army
of bond purchasers providing
Israel with the means to corn-
bat its critical problems.
Soviet Sends Books to Israel
To Cover Cost of Legation
JERUSALEM, (JTA) — Some
8,000 books published in the
Soviet Union and shipped to the
Russian bok shop in Tel Aviv
have been released by the Israeli
postal authorities after a delay
of three months.
The books consist mainly of
Russian works translated into
German, French and English.
They are sold in this country at
a low price in order to obtain
Israeli currency for the expenses
of the Soviet legation in. Tel
Aviv. Since the Israeli Treasury
refuses to release foreign cur-
rency for the purchase of books
and periodical abroad practic-
allY the only new foreign books
available in this country come ,
from the USSR.
Between You and Me
By BORIS SMOLAR
(Copyright, 1952, Jewish Telegraphic Agency, Inc.)
Domestic Developments:
The American section of the Jewish Agency may soon transfer
part of its functions to the American Zionist Council ... Consulta-
tions to this effect took place in New York prior to Dr. Nahiim
Goldmann's departure . . It seems that all parties involved are
in agreement on a plan under which the work of the American
Zionist Council will be greatly expanded . . . Mrs. Rose Halprin
may become co-chairman of the Council -and share leadership
with Louis Lipsky . . . B.enjamin. Browdy is also considered for co-
chairmanship of the American Jewish Council, since he does not
intend to seek re-election to ZOA presidency . . . The competition
for ZOA presidency has already begun with 'the pro-Silverites
naming Rabbi Irving Miller as candidate . . . The anti-Silverites
will probably name Abraham Redelheim . . . The name of Mor-
timer May is also mentioned among the possible candidates . .
The convention at which the fight for presidency will take place
will be held in June .. Needless to say that a lot of things will
happen in the Zionist movement prior to that time . . • Especially
since the Zionist Actions Committee, which is scheduled to meet
in May in Jerusalem, is expected to make important decisions.
Israeli Trends:
Jews in the United States are well aware of Israel's economic
difficulties, but little do they know of the growing military menace
whiCh Israel is about to face — Because of this menace Israel's
Foreign Minister Moshe Sharett will soon have a .heart-to-heart
talk with British Foreign Secretary Anthony Eden in London . .
Because of this menace the leaders of the American Zionist
movement will soon have their hands full in Washington — .
That the United States and Britain are doing everything they can
to win Egypt's friendship even at the possible expense of Israel is
a well known fact ... Now a new danger for Israel is on the hori-
zon . . . The Jordan parliament has—without much publicity—.
voted in favor of merging Jordan with Iraq . . Such a merger
would not have spelled much danger for Israel had King Abdullah
been alive . . . It was known that the assassinated ruler of Jordan
was inclined toward a permanent peace with Israel. . . . And this
was apparently the reason why he was assassinated... Under his
regime a Jordan-Iraq merger would have meant his becoming the
ruler of Iraq ... However, under the present circumstances such a
merger mans nothing except Jordan being swallowed up by Iraq.
Israel's relations with Iraq are worse than with any other Arab
country. . . . While Israel has armistice pacts with the other Arab
countries, Iraq refused to sign such a pact ... Which means that
Israel and Iraq still are formally in a state of war . . . As long as
Iraq had no direct frontier with Israel, such a situation did not
bother the Israel government . The case would be different if
Iraq "absorbs" Jordan and becomes a direct neighbor of the Jew-
ish State . . . Situated between a constantly threatening Egypt
and an inflated Iraq with whom it has no armistice agreement the
Jewish State must be on the alert militarily to no lesser an extent
than in the days when- it fought for its independence . About
this state of affairs American Jewry may soon have to worry as
much as it worries about helping Israel improve its economies
TEL AVIV, (JTA)—Mrs. .7.21ea-
nor Roosevelt, who was in Israel
for four days while enroute to
India, declared that "the most
extraordinary thing about Israel
is that extraordinary things are
being done without anyone feel-
ing that they are out of the
ordinary."
During the first two days of
her stay in the Jewish State,
Mrs. Roosevelt had tea with the
Premier and his wife and visited
Kibbutz Maaleh Hachamisha, a
village for the blind, a Hadassah
hospital in Beersheba and the
Weizmann Institute of Science at
Rehovoth. She also dined at the
home of Israeli President Chaim
position.
Weizmann.