American Controversy Puzzles Zionists Abroad

(Jewish Telegraphic Agency)

The controversy within the ranks of American Zionists is little understood among the leading Zionists of Europe. Various attempts are being made by the Zionist group to put their own interpretation on the issues involved in the controversy.

The “London Jewish Chronicle,” commenting today editorially declares that the controversy seems to be “a jumble of contentions in which every one’s hand is directed against his neighbor.” The newspaper observes that it is difficult to see from a distance a clear cut issue. “The common nexus appears to be the discontent with the progress of the movement in America and the feeling that American Jewry is not doing its full share in the Palestine adventure and hence the anxiety to remedy the defect.

“Although the main motive is the desire to help the Zionist movement in America,” the paper continues, “one cannot doubt that considerable damage will result to the movement from the discord. We shall not be surprised at all if this is soon realized and the quarrel brought to an end.

“Things in America being as they are, we should think that Dr. Weizmann would see the necessity to avoid diluting the movement by accepting cooperation on the part of persons who are frankly opposed to the basic principles of Zionism. The movement needs strengthening, not diluting,” the paper observes.

The “Jucdische Rundschau.” the Berlin organ of German Zionist, recalls that it was Henrietta Szold who, at the last Zionist convention in Atlantic City, restored peace when the anti-Lipsky move commenced.

“A greater task now awaits Miss Szold” the paper writes, “since the Hadassah seems to be the kernel of the opposition. The differences are those that exist between the eastern and western section of Zionism. We cannot afford to lose either. It would be idle to make proposals from a distance regarding the question of persons in the American organization, but it is impossible that with the realization of the necessity, no way out can be found.

“The cardinal interests of the entire movement are involved. It is not an internal American affair only. The Zionist world expects Miss Szold to intervene. She can play an historic role in the history of the movement if the American movement is compelled to rise to the heights where the interest of the entire movement are considered.” the German Zionists’ organ states.