Purely Commentary
Killing Hate with
Implacable Wrath . .
Catholic Pro-Israelis
By Philip
Slomovitz
Israel to Issue
New Airmails
Before the Swastika Was a Genocidal Hakenkreuz
What would the deranged swastika-painters of our time
think of their acts if they knew that the cross with the hooked
arms was an Indian good luck symbol, that it was used by the
ancient Hebrews, by Buddhists in India, by the Chinese and
other peoples?
But since the Nazis also adopted it as their symbol—they
•called it the hakenkreuz—it has become a mark of disrespect.
Thus, SEC, in the current issue of The Reporter, evaluated the
rn swastika as follows:
What can erase
This thing from.the scrawled
z
Walls of the mind; exterminate
This spider from the infested conscience? It hooks
Convulsively -an. the memory of man: the obscene
Insignia of hate. It mates and spawns
In every season and climate, crawls
0-n the faces • of Nations. What
Can kill it but implacable
Wrath?
The hakenkreuz aroused so much resentment, in the days
A of Hitler, that, in October of 1944, four Arizona Indian tribes
showed their displeasure by forswearing the use of the Indian
swastika design on their blankets and baskets. In a public
ceremony late that month, in Tucson, Ariz., the swastika was
banned by leaders of the Navajo, Hopi and Apache tribes.
In the early 1940s, a Belgian archaeological expedition
that was at work in the Palestine of that time reported finding
a ruined temple near Chamah, the ancient city where the
Philistines worshipped the sun. The floors of that temple had
an .array of swastikas.
(The tiles on the floor of Clover Hill Park Cemetery chapel,
which was built several years before Hitler, is studded with
swastikas—emblems that became disreputable only because they
represented Nazism.)
The swastika is believed to have antedated the Magen
David—the Star of David—and is believed also to have been
in use before the emergence of the Hebrew letter Aleph. It may
first have come into use in ancient Aram Naariim, which later
became Babylon, the present-day Iraq.
Swastikas have been found in unearthed ancient Jewish
temples in Galilee, on Jewish tombstones in the catacombs of
Rome, as well as among non-Jews in Japan, China, Tibet, Persia,
and other areas. It was very popular as the good luck symbol
of the Indians, who feel especially offended by its abuse by the
Nazis and present-day anti-Semites.
When the Nazis took over the hooked arm cross and made
the swastika—the hakenkreuz—their symbol of hate and
aspiration for world conquest, many people were puzzled why
this emblem should have "fascinated" those who accepted it.
A psychological explanation was offered in 1939 by Prof. S. A.
Goudsmit, the eminent Jewish physicist who was then on the
faculty of the University of Michigan. He is now associated
with the Upton National Laboratories, Brook Haven, Long Island,
N.Y., and is considered one of the country's most eminent physi-
cists. Prof. Goudsmit expressed the view, in 1939, that when an
uneducated person is seen printing the capital letters N, Z or S
in reverse, they provide an inkling into primitive and ancient
confusion over "rotation symmetry."
In any event, the insane minds have taken a dignified
symbol, that was cherished by many peoples through the ages,
and turned it into a symbol for appeals to hatred. That is why
mankind now must endorse The Reporter author's solution:
. . . What
Can kill it but implacable
Wrath?
Catholic Dignitaries'
On two recent occasions, in communities in this country
and in Canada, Catholic dignitaries spoke in glowing terms about
the progress in evidence in the State of Israel.
In London, Ontario, speaking at an Israel Bond dinner,
Bishop John C. Cody of that city declared, recounting his
experiences on his visit there, that Israel "will assuredly win
the- battle of restoration and conceivably bring the country
to a higher level than ever before."
In Chicago, accepting the 1959 Israel Bond "Man of the
Year" acclaim, Bishop Bernard J. Sheil had this to say:
"The - return of the Jewish 'people to their -homeland, after
centuries of exile, is an event of - prophetic importance to the
histOry of man. These immigrants to their own country are
much like the early- settlers of America: They possess the
knowledge- and the skills_ necessary to bring about a social revo-
lution in a large area of the world. Like the founders of America,
their achievement may serve as a model for other peoples who
seek• an escape from the ofipressive past._
"The establishment of the State of Israel is an inilispensable
step towards this larger goal. Its creation, like most human en-
deavors, meant much bitter sacrifice and suffering. But these
have been transcended in - that satisfaction which comes only
from good accomplished. There are thousands of children in
Israel today who have been given a second chance at life. For
years their world was one bounded by barbed wire. Now, their
lost childhood has been restored to them. Their happiness is,
in itself, a sufficient reward for the struggle endured.
"The founders of modern Israel carved it out of a wasteland.
Today, it is literally an oasis in a desert. For Israel stands in a
barren - land of human oppression and destitution. Millions of her
neighbors exist in an outmoded society built upon ignorance
and exploitation. Trapped in a dead end of history, these people
have had no choice but to submit to serfdom.
"Here precisely lies the importance of Israel in the wider
context of history. For Israel can become for all the people of
the Middle East the model and symbol of a more humanly
satisfying life. She opens up the prospect of a community
founded, not on ignorance but on knowledge; not on exploitation
but on opportunity. Israel proves that human freedom, anchored
in justice, is the only lasting foundation upon which the city
of man can be erected.
"To be this model and symbol of hope for millions of dis-
possessed people is the mission of Israel. To accomplish it, she
herself must be made strong and impregnable. Otherwise, she
becomes an easy target for those who see in her a threat to
their selfish privileges. Those who benefit from the past, fear
the future. To them the future may destroy these benefits. That
is the reason that every weapon of passion and propaganda is
being used against Israel. It is her enemies who are most aware
of the real meaning of modern Israel. That is why they fear her.
"If Israel is to remain strong, if she is to carry out her
historical destiny she must have the support of all who recognize
her importance to the cause of human freedom. The meaning
of Israel extends far beyond her national borders. She is part
of the free world. She is an embattled outpost of all who believe
that God has endowed man with the right to life, freedom and
justice.
"We who profess this belief have the serious obligation
to help all those who protect and propagate its truth. To do
this is more than a duty. It is a privilege. For to serve the
cause - of freedom is to serve the cause of man. Man, without
the dignity of his liberty, is less than man. And it is precisely
this dignity of freedom which is at stake today. What we do now
for the cause of human freedom shall determine in large measure
the whole future of mankind.
"Israel, against heavy odds, is doing her part in this struggle
for man. To help her is to help the cause of human freedom
everywhere. There is no endeavor more. worthy of our support.
Nor could there be any more satisfying return than the knowl-
edge - of having shared in the defense of man, his dignity and
his freedom. Israel offers us the privilege of participating in
this effort on behalf of man. I am certain that we shall accept
the offer and respond to it generously."
These declarations are worthy of note in view of the beliefs
that were current that the Catholic Church is antagonistic to
Israel and to Zionism. Theodor Herzl had his difficulties, in his
efforts to -secure Vatican approval of his program for a .5ewiSh
-
NEW ISRAELI STAMPS
A set of airmail stamps, the
third definite series depicting
landscapes of Israel, will soon
be issued by the Ministry of
Posts.
The first three stamps in the
series, designed by Friedel
Stern, of Tel Aviv, will show
the sites of Zefat, Ashkelon and
Tiberias. They are printed by
photogravure on unwatermarked
paper. Each sheet has 20 stamps
with five descriptive tabs ad-
jacent to the bottom row.
Philatelists may obtain the
stamps from the Government
Printers, Hakirya, Tel Aviv, at
the following rates: stamps,
Friendship for Israel
$.56, first day covers, $.59;
State. Nahum Sokolow sought Catholic support in his negotiations postage, $.28. Minimum orders
are for $1.
in Rome.
Catholic laymen in many lands were among the strong
Christian supporters of Zionism. Now we have a manifestation of
friendship from church dignitaries. Their friendly acts serve as
encouragements for Israel and her kinsmen in a time of great
tension in the Middle East. It is to be hoped that they will be
among the expressions of friendship that will lead the war-
infected areas of the Arab world surrounding Israel closer to a
desire for peace and amity with the small State they now threaten
The 10th annual presentation
with extinction.
of the Fred M. Butzel Memorial
*
Award for distinguished com-
The 'Never Fulfilled' Excessive Goals
munal service will highlight the
Israel's Finance Minister Levi Eshkol said in Jerusalem last 34th annual meeting of the Jew-
-
week, during his discussion of his government's new development ish Welfare Federation, 8:15
budget, that Jewish communities have "never fulfilled" the goals p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 2, at the
in their campaigns. Israel, he said, "must continue to live with Jewish Center, 18100 Meyers.
In selecting the honoree, the
the results "until sufficient funds are raised to empty the transit
camps, solve the problem of productive employment and fully award committee considers
length of service to the Jewish
integrated our immigrants."
Eshkol's statement is not an accusation: it is an admonition community and its constituent
and a recognition of an old policy, still in operation in Jewish parts, service as a representa-,
communities, of setting high stakes in fund raising campaigns, tive of the Jewish community
in the organized general com-
although it is known that they can not be attained.
Thus, the United Jewish Appeal will set goals that usually munity, character and integrity
are twice the amount attainable. It stems from the belief that in communal affairs.
The names of Award winners
if a high goal is set, the contributors may feel a greater obliga-
are placed on a bronze plaque
tion to give larger sums.
It is doubtful whether this is really the case. Where there in the lobby of the Fred M.
are good solicitors, the amount "set" nationally should not play Butzel Memorial Building. Pre-
vious Butzel AWard recipients
a role, and we doubt whether it does.
Insofar as Israel is concerned, the country's leaders know are: Sidney J. Allen, Henry M.
exactly what to expect, and we doubt whether they have ever Butzel, Mrs. Joseph H. Ehrlich,
William Friedman, Abe Kasle,
been misled by high stakes. But it is good that Eshkol "called
Julian H. Krolik, Samuel- H.
a spade a spade." Let there be no delusion on the subject.
Rubiner, Abraham Srere and
*
*
*
Henry Wineman.
A Tribute to a Great Newspaperman
The award recipient is se-.
Last Friday, Dr. Abba Hillel Silver joined with the Rev. lected by a committee of presi-
Laurence H. Blackburn, of Santa Fe, N.M., in paying tribute dents of the 13 Federation mem-
to Spencer D. Irwin, associate editor of the Cleveland Plain ber agencies, Detroit Service
Dealer, at funeral services for the eminent newspaperman held Group and the Federation
at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Cleveland.
Women's Division, and previous
It was one of the rare occasions when a rabbi joined with recipients of the Award.
a Christian minister in paying honor to a distinguished leader
Elections to fill nine at-large
at a church service.
positions - on, the Federation.
Spencer Irwin was deserving of that tribute. He was pas- board of governors and the of.-; •
sionately devoted to just causes. He had a sense of fair play. ficers' reports are on the agenda
and he displayed it in his personal column and in his editorials. far the annual meeting. •
He went to Israel, and there he had learned the justice of
•
the Jewish cause. He returned with a conviction that Israel Gen. Dayan to Speak at
should be given the help of the Christian world, and he did his
Israel Bond Conference
part nobly in that task.
Announcement was made this
He belonged to the hasidei umot haolam—to the saintly
week that General Moshe Dayan,
in humanity. Blessed be his memory.
*
*
*
who as Chief
of Staff led
Yul Brynner's Refugee Odyssey
Columbia Broadcasting System has made known plans for Israel's army
an hour-long report on refugee problems in Europe, the Middle to victory in
East and the Orient, to be entitled "Yul Brynner's Odyssey: the Sinai Cam-
5,000,000 Men Without a Country." The program is scheduled paign, who
for the spring, upon the return of Yul Brynner from a study now is Israel'
tour which will include Egypt (the Gaza Strip), Lebanon, Minister of
Jordan—where many experts claim that peace will never be Agriculture,
w i 11 partici-
secure until the refugee problem is solved."
We are quoting from the CBS announcement, which we pate in the
1960 Israel
view with great anxiety. -
How can Brynner possibly offer a fair view of the situation Bond drive.
if he is to go only to the areas that are biased against Israel? He will be the
Will, he study the grave position of Jews in Moslem countries guest of honor
whose lives hang in the balance and whose position is in greater at the 1960
peril than that of the Arab refugees? Will he look into the inaugural con- Gen. Dayan
problem of potential Jewish refugees who still live in dire ference for Israel Bonds, in-,
need and in great danger behind the Iron Curtain? Does he Miami. Beach, Feb. 26-28, and
will appear in a number of
have any idea about the Crescent Curtain dangers?
_ We pray that the impending report will not be another major communities in this coun- ,
try in behalf of Israel Bonds.
means. of spreading bias againSt Israel.
To Make Butzel
Award at JWF's
Meeting, Feb. 2
.