THE JEWISH NEWS
Will the Door Be Opened?
Incorporating the Detroit Jewish Chronicle commencing with issue of July 20, .7951
Member: American Association of English-Jewish Newspapers, Michigan Press Association.
Published every Friday by The Jewish News Publishing Co.. 708-10 David Stott Bldg., Detroit 26, Mich., WO. 6-1155.
Subscription $4 a year, foreign $5.
Entered as second class matter Aug. 6, 1942, at Post Office, Detroit, Mich., under Act of March 3, 1879.
PHILIP SLOMOVITZ
Pubtisher
Editor and
SIDNEY SHMARAK
Advertising Manager
May 1, 1953
Page 4
VOL. XXIII, No. 8
FRANK SIMONS
City Editor
Sabbath Scriptural Selections
This Sabbath, the seventeenth day of Iyar, 5713, the following Scriptural selections win be read
our synagoaues:
Pentateuchal portion--Lev. 21:r-24:33,
Prophetical portion Ezek. 44:15-31.
Lag. b'Omer occurs on Sunday.
—
Licht Benshen, Friday, May 1, 4:32 p.m.
Israel and the Arab Refugees: A Soluble Problem
In a radio address delivered on the oc- spread of hatred that is reported to be in
casion of Israel's fifth anniversary, Lester evidence in the refugee camps.
*
*
*
Pearson, the President of the United Nations
Of
special
significance
in the discussion
General Assembly, made this important
of the status of Arabs in Israel is the fol-
statement:
lowing analysis by Mr. Marmor of the legal
"No nation has given a more gallant or
and political positions of the Arabs:
inspiring example of willingness to face
"The legal and political status of the Arabs
up to its fundamental problems and its na-
in Israel is determined by the provisions of
tional and international responsibilities
the Proclamation of Independence which in-
than Israel. There cannot; however, be sta-
sure to all citizens full social and political
bility and security in Israel, in spite of the
equality without distinction of race, creed or
efforts of its people, until better relations
sex, and guarantee full freedom of conscience,
exist with its Arab neighbors."
worship, education and culture. The program
of the Government laid down after the first
Mr. Pearson's admonition must be inter-
General Elections of Jan. 25, 1949, reaffirmed
preted as having been directed in the main
these guarantees.
at the issue involving the Arab refugees. It
"The outline of Government policy as enun-
is the major problem facing Israel. To the
ciated after the Second General Elections of
credit of the Jewish state it should be stated
July 30, 1951, and approved by the Knesset
that the Israelis are pleading for peace, that
(Parliament) on October 7, 1951, states: "The
they hope for an early solution pf all diffi-
Arab minority, as well as other minorities,
culties involved in the search for amity—
will be guaranteed full and complete equality
of rights and obligations in the civic, political,
including the settling of. the refugee issue.
economic, social, cultural and every other
President Eisenhower, whose message
sphere. The Government will extend assistance
to Israel's President Itzhak Ben-Zvi, on Is-
to the inhabitants of villages who were uproot-
rael's fifth anniversary, stated that Ameri‘
ed from their lands as a result of the shocks
cans "of all faiths join me in this expres-
of war to return to permanent settlement .
sion of good wishes and the hope for peace
Education in the Arabic language will be guar-
anteed for all Arab children besides the obliga-
and prosperity in the future," is known to
tory learning of Hebrew." The provisions of
be anxious to bring about an amicable so-
The Nationality Law (passed by the Knesset
lution of the Arab-Israel problem. A pledge
on April 1, 1952), which granted citizenship
that the UN will persevere in its efforts to
automatically to the Jewish population by vir-
help Arab and Jews settle all onstanding
tue of The Law of Return, also conferred citi-
differences, made by Dr. Ralph Bunche,
zenship automatically on almost all Israel
director of the UN Trusteeship Division,
Arabs by virtue of residence.
on Israel's anniversary, similarly points
"More than 30,000 Arabs were eligible - to
vote in the General Elections to the First
to the anxiety for such a settlement in in-
Knesset. Israel enfranchised the Arab women
ternational ranks.
without any qualifications; for the first time
The attainment of this objective is a ma-
in history. Syria followed her example, but re
jor item on the agenda of world affairs. It is
stricted women'S, suffrage to.those who, re,
unfortunate that the recent collaboration of
ceived an"elemeritary education.
the Soviet and Arab blocs in the UN should
"The First Knesset had three Arab meinbers.
Two, one Moslem and one Christian, were
have placed serious obstacles in the path
elected on an Arab ticket — The Nazareth
of peace by the unwarranted attack on Zion-
Democrats — and one a C'hristian Arab,' on
ism. But it is not too late to revive talks of
the Communist slate. :
peace, and it is certain that Israel will go
"About 70,000 Arabs were eligible to vote in
along with reasonable plans for the solu-
the General Elections • to the Second Knesset
tion of the refugee issue.
of July 30, 1951. The Arab tickets succeeded in
With the outstanding world statesmen, .
polling 4 3/4% of the total national vote."
including our President, committed to a
This is incontestable proof that Israel is
program of action for peace in the Middle
prepared to do her utmost to make life live-
East, it should he possible, through the
able for her minorities: It is proof that the
UN, with the participation of American
policies in force within the land are applic-
leaders as mediators, to compel both con-
able to Arabs outside the country.
tending sides to sit at one table and to
The new nation, while struggling to solve
talk amity. The basic obstacle to overcome
the serious economic problems, is anxious for
is the Arabs' refusal to negotiate with Is-
peace. The kinsmen of the Israelis through-
rael. The moment that is hurdled, we shall
out the world pray for amity. With the help
then certainly witness a solution to the
of the nations of the world it can be attained.
refugee problem.
It is a necessary step in the direction of good
The manner of judging Israel's attitude will for all mankind.
toward the Arabs is to be found in her treat-
ment of the Arab minority in the country.
In an article in a. recent issue of the Ameri-
can Technion Society's Yearbook, David I.
Allied Jewish Campaign workers reached
Marmor reached this conclusion on the Arab
a high mark in this year's solicitations for
question:
the major American Jewish philanthropic
"Much has been done by the Israel Gov-
funds as well as the local and national agen-
ernment and non-governmental agencies to
cies—all of which are included in the 1953
assist the Arabs in their integration into the
Detroit goal.
new conditions of life as full and equal citizens
The $3,000,000 mark reached this year
enjoying equal opportunities with the ma-
is the best result shown thus far in the his-
jority. Much remains to be done, both by the
Israel authorities and by the Arabs themselves.
tory of Detroit fund-raising efforts. It is an
It cannot be done entirely by administrative
encouraging sign that our people understand
orders and assistance from outside. It is fun-
the importance of the United Jewish Appeal
damentally a human problem, which will solve
—the major beneficiary of our drive—as well
itself with the help of both sides and the
as the other causes that are included in the
understanding that will grow from contact
campaign.
between the two peoples. It is also a political
But we must not become overconfident. It
problem dependent on the achievement of a
is important that our Workers continue their
firm, sincere and lasting peace between Israel
and the Arab states, for it is only such a peace
solicitation until all prospects are reached;
that will finally remove the fears and sus-
and it is vitally necessary that the contribu-
picions left from the recent war."
tors should follow the pattern set for them
The overall picture is a positive one: Is- by the first donors and that there should be
rael seeks to benefit all segments of her pop-
increased giving on all fronts.
ulation. The trouble comes from the outside,
To achieve the two objectives, we must
and the fears emanate from the propagan- have many workers and ALL Detroit Jews
dists who have invaded the Arab refugee must be contributors. The first campaign
camps where Communist influence has steps show that these objectives can be at-
harmed amity. The road to peace must be tained. Detroit's previous records are as-
paved with the type of good will that is in surances that the minimum goal will be
evidence in Israel, not with rumors and the
reached.
.
High Campaign Mark
Bentwich's View of the Jewish State:
Israel—Geared for World Peace
All efforts in behalf of Israel are geared for peace. Israelis
crave for amity with the Arabs and world .statesmen recognize
that the peace of the world is dependent upon an end to the state
of war in the Middle East.
This all-important sentiment is emphasized in "Israel" by
Norman Bentwich, published by McGraw-Hill Book Co., Inc. (330
W. 42nd, NY36). Dr. Bentwich, who is professor of international
relations at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and who served
as Attorney General of Palestine under the British Mandatory
Government, clarifies many facts in his concise book on Israel,
which replaces his earlier work that appeared under the title
"Palestine." His concluding statement contains the following
declaration on the need for peace and Israel's craving for it
"The Hebrew prophets 2,500 years ago had the vision of 6b .
single humanity living in peace, and that vision was bound up
with the return of the Children of Israel to their Land. Today
the Messianic hope is strong in Israel, even among those who
do not profess themselves believers, that the redemption of
Israel 4 a 1,6,71 of the redemption of' humanity. A Rabbinical
saying runs: 'God will not come to the heavenly Jerusalem tilr:
Israel has come to Jerusalem on earth.' But that Messianiec'
aspect of the return is in abeyance till Israel has succeeded;
with or withoUt the help of the United Nations, in concluding
peace with her Arab neighbors. When she has fulfilled that
baffling but inescapable .condition, the Jews in Israel and in the
dispersion may be an instrument of peace and understanding
between the nations, and help to bring nearer the day when.
'nation shall no longer life up sword against nation, neither
shall they learn war any more.' Only then can Israel be, in the
words of the Hebrew prophet, a light to the Gentiles. The tradi-
tional Hebrew and the traditional Arabic greeting alike is,
`Peace be unto you.' Peace must be made for Jew and Arab the
supreme aim."
Prof. Bentwich's analyses add realism to the Israeli position.
He faces issues frankly and discusses them earnestly. He pays
tribute to the labor movement. He disagrees with Arthur Koestler
who believes that Israel will be a parochial state and will deliber-
ately shut out foreign influences and states. Dr. Bentwich says
on the contrary, "No people has a stronger desire to see the large
world than the Israeli young generation, and no State is more
anxious than Israel to take its full place in all international move-
ments. The danger, if anything, is the opposite, that there may
be too much coming and going."
The student of modern history will find a great deal of en.,
lightenment in Bentwich's "Israel." The Jewish students and those
seeking information about the young state and the results of
Zionist efforts will be especially enlightened by the reviews of
historical facts and the evaluations of Israeli conditions by the
eminent British scholar.
Two Fine Children's Books
Ktav Publishing Co. (47 Canal St., NY2) has issued two chit.
dren's books that are certain to capture the love of our young-
sters. Additionally, parents who will read the stories with or to
them will love the books just as much—for the contents, the at-
tractive illustrations, the history lessons they contain.
The two books are:
"Happy Holiday!" by Robert Garvey, illustrated by
Ezekiel Schloss; and
"Tell Me About God and Prayer" by Morris Epstein,
illustrated by Lawrence Dresser.
The latter is a year-around story. Through the twins, whom
the reader meets in the first chapter, the story introduces the
meaning and value of prayer, Jewish customs on all holidays and
special Jewish occasions. In making the blessing over food, the '
child is taught about the food he eats, just as he is told about the
ceremonial objects of the Sabbath, and those used in the syna-
gogue and the home. All the festivals are well touched upon IA
this fine book.
"Happy Holiday!" is exactly what the title reveals: it is ffi
series of stories about all the holidays, the manner of their oh
servance, the youngsters who observe them, the animals them
play with while being observant. Every occasion on the Jewish
calendar is described—in excellent narratives for children---in
this running story.
Ktav Publishing Co. has rendered a good service with these
two books, which enrich the Jewish child's library.
-,