Jewish Agency Pact Brings Wider Applause As Leaders in Distant Sections Respond to Inquiry

Further applause for the pact entered into by the Zionists and non-Zionists for the creation of a united Jewish Agency for the rebuilding of Palestine came from leaders in distant sections in response to the inquiry sent out by the "Jewish Daily Bulletin."

RABBI HENRY J. BERKOWITZ Congregation Beth Israel, Portland,Ore.

"It is my feeling that the American Jew is facing for the first time the possibility of some genuine progress for Palestine. Away out here in the far Northwest, interest in the Jewish Homeland is not very great. Perhaps this is because our Jewish population is small. But I find that the non-Zionist Conference has done more to rivet the attention of our people upon the subject of Palestine than any event up to this time."

S.K BERNSTEIN Oklahoma City Okla.–"The meeting accomplished a great purpose and that under present existing conditions, the attitude taken by the meeting and the resolutions adopted are for the best interests of Jews the world over. I believe that much good will be accomplished as a result of this meeting."

RABBI BARNETT R. BRICKNER Euclid Avenue Temple. Cleveland, O.

"I hail the Non-Zionist Conference as an achievement of fundamental magnitude in Jewish life. Its siguificance consists in this–it has created a common platform for all Jews, toward the realization of an uncommonly sacred purpose.

"But the truly historic conference is yet to take place.

"The Conference just held, united Jewry on a physical plane namely; the material upbuilding of Palestine, burcontending ideologies still remain unchanged.

"The true victory of Palestine will come when a formula and platform have been devised, that will unite world Jewry in a pro-Palestinian movement, ideologically as well as physically and materially. The last conference gave us only a body. I am hoping that by working together, non-Zionists and Zionists will create out of their individual souls, a n’shomo y’sairo for the body that we now call the Jewish Agency.

"Both Mr. Marshall and Dr. Weizman are to be congratulated for having successfully evolved a formula and a platform which brings East and West together. Palestine has again exercised her magic power in uniting world Jewry."

EDWARD M. CHASE, Manchester,N. H.–"To Louis Marshall, the pillar of American Jewry, and Dr. Chaim Weizmann, our gratitude should be boundless. Patiently for five years, with unerring leadership and almost prophetic vision, they helped mightily to gradually fuse two groups with conflicting ideals into a united body devoted singly to the reconstruction of Palestine and the betterment of world Jewry."

RABBI RUDOLPH I. COFFEE,Temple Sinai, Oakland, Cal.–"Great as was the historic meeting on Otober 21, of Zionists and non-Zionists, where by a united Jewry is prepared to stand together in the development of practical Zionism, greater yet was the dissemination of this event through wonderful agency of the ‘Jewish Daily Bulletin."

RABBI MONTAGUE N. COHEN Tacoma, Wash.–"I would state that it was the greatest opportunity for the union of Zionists and Non-Zionists to expedite all-Jewish activity in the Holy Land. Let individuals drop unfortunate selfishnesses and personalities in the interests of the larger energy so that all-Jewry may go forward together to develop, expand and bring to fruition the most tremendous project undertaken by it in modern times."

LOUIS A. FAST, Newark, N.J.–"The Zionist ideal, call it by whatever name you care, carries with it the solution of what we have been calling the ‘Jewish problem With the energies of united Israel turned in one direction, each faction cager to forget their bitter differences, and marching sternly and strongly for the redemption of the Jewish home-land , there is nothing else in sight but the ideal Renaissance of a great people."

RABBI LEON FRAM, Congregation Beth El, Detroit, Mich.–"The happiest consequence of the uniting of Jewry on he Jewish Agency for Palestine will be the elimination from American Jewish life of what has long been an unfortunate Shibboleth.

"No longer will an American Jew contributing to Palestine feel that his fellow-Jews are suspecting him of transferring his political allegiance from America to the government of Palestine.No longer will a Jew who denies that the Jewish people are a nationality feel that his fellow-Jews are accusing him of treason to the cause of the survival of Jewry. No longer will American Jews make themselves absurd by quarreling about political Zionism, since it is obvious now that the Jews of Palestine will have to determine their political status for themselves. United on a common-sense view of Palestine as a refuge for Jewish settlement and a possible center of Jewish culture, American Jews can now turn from partisan squabblings on the futile question of Jewish nationalism to give all their attenion to the concrete problem of Jewish education in America."

A. J. FREIMAN, Ottawa, Canada–Nothing has occurred since the Balfour Deelaration was made eleven years ago, which, to my mind, equals the importance and promise of the resolution adopted at the conference on the Jewish Agency recently held in New York.

"The crystalization of joint Jewish efforts, for the development of Palestine in a way we have dreamed of for centuries, has been an urgent need for some time past. The first steps, the organization of a movement of desirable settlers towards Palestine, and the start of colonization in all its branches, has been accomplished, due to that first magnifieent enthusiasm and self-sacrifice of Zionists the world over; and while this spirit still inspires Zionist men and women everywhere, yet the task in hand needs at this time the added strength and active collaboration of all our people, no matter if they are not professed Zionists.

"As a Zionist of many years standing, it has, therefore, been a source of much satisfaction for me to read of the sucessful steps taken towards the establishment of the Jewish Agency at the New York Conference. By the fullest co-ordination of our efforts , I am confident we shall go forward, accomplishing year by year the expansion of our work in Palestine until the day will dawn when Palestine will indeed be the land of Eretz Yisroel."

JUDGE A. B. FREY, Circuit Court, St. Louis, Mo.–"I approve heartily of the new Jewish Agency for the upbuilding of Palestine. It is a distinct mark of progress.

"When we learn to adjust our internal major differences amicably and in a friendly way we will then grow strong and ultinately solve obstacles created by external circumstances andforces. So long as we are constantly menaced by internal strife we are fundamentally weak.

"The conference has achieved a progressive result. May it work out better than we dream."

DANIEL FRISCH, President of the Indianapolis Zionist District, Indianapolis, Ind.–"I am very enthusiastic over the results of the Non-Zionist Conference and it is my belief that it will spell unity for American Jewry in all matters pertaining to Jewish life. I am not worried over the danger of non-Zionists working for Palestine as I believe that no man who is more non than Zionist would work for Palestine. I also believe that no group of men living out of Palestine will be able to change the national character of our work there."

DR. HYMAN I. GOLDSTEIN, Newly elected New Jersey Assemblyman, Camden, N.J.–"American Jewry, yes, World Jewry, must rejoice in the formation of the enlarged Jewish Agency for the proper development of Palestine, and in the shortest of possible, Unity of action by all Israel must result in the happy and rapid growth of the land of our forefathers!

"It must also be, indeed, a source of much satisfaction and gratification to all Jewry, to know that we have such leaders as Louis Marshall, Dr. Chaim Weizmann, Felix Warburg, Dr. Lee K.Franke, Lord Melchett, and others."

MRS.I GREENBERG, Milwaukee,Wis.–"The significance of the consummation of the Jewish Agency is epochal.

"The personnel of the group who have so untiringly worked for the Agency, will, I feel with their broad vision, ability and financial supporty bring about the fulfillment of the hope that Palestine will become a Homeland and that our people will live in Palestine with a economic, social, cultural freedom, that we as Jews, want our co-religionists to have."

JUSTICE SAMUEL J. HARRIS, Supreme Court of Buffalo, N.Y.–"In my opinion, the Conference removed the cause of Palestine from the field of debate, and the action at the Conference should unite all Jewry in a program for the re-establishment of the Holy Land as a source of great spiritual welfare for Jewry in particular and the world in general."

S. L. HEROLD, Shreveport, La.–"I must confess to an inability to properly appraise the proceedings of the Non-Zionist Conference. Want of Knowledge on my part of actual conditions and of matters not given publicity would preclude my reaching any worth-while opinion.

"However, I have made myself the promise of visiting Palestine next spring in the hope of learning something at first hand."

WILLIAM HOROWITZ, Ft. Worth, Tex.–"I think it is a step in the right direction and should be well taken by all classes of Jews. I heartily approve and hope it is successful."

I.IRVING LIPSITCH, Executive Director, Jewish Welfare Federation, Los Angeles, Calif.–"I was extremely happy to learn that through the Conference, representative American Jews decided to unite for the work of Palestinian reconstruction through the Jewish Agency. The resolutions adopted by the Conference will make possible early action in the work of rebuilding the Jewish homeland. This step is of course of the greatest importance No less important, however, is the fact that through this work American Jewry will be united regardless of opinions on Zionism. Leaders like Louis Marshall, Felix M. Warburg, Dr. Lee K. Frankel. Colonel Herbert H. Lehman, Judge Horace Stern and others who addressed and participated in the Conference have, in my humble judgment, acted in true Jewish fashion when they brought about a unanimity of opinion and a genuine resolve to promote the economic, spiritual and cultural phases of the upbuilding of Palestine."

ERHARD MAYER, New Orleans, La.–"It is indeed a source of gratification to see that unity has finally been achieved and that the Jewish Agency is now an accomplished fact.

"This action should redound, not only to the good of Palestine, but also to the good of Jewish life in general."

RABBI JACOB I. MEYER, Congregation Beth Israel, Austin, Tex.–"When Jews will participate as Jews–with that solidarity and unity of action with which our enemies falsely charge us–in the affairs of the nations as their own nation, when, of course, the occasion demands, and the illustrious and powerful among us will not try to "hide from their own flesh,"a great step will be taken in solving the Jewish question.

"Does the non-Zionist conference indicate a practical realization of the means to this end?"

RABBI HERBERT PARZEN,Congregation Aharai Sholom, Portland,Ore.–"The Non-Zionist Conference is the harbinger of a new era in Jewish life. Both Zionist, of whatever wing, and non-Zionist, must look hopefully to the future.Now is not the time for any defeatist opinions. We must believe in the sincerity and the integrity and the good faith of the men who have brought to fruition the larger Agency for Palestine.

"Now, the Agency is in the foreground, and everyone must uphold and support it wholeheartedly and fully."

HARWIG PERES, Memphis, Tenn.–"Blessed me the comers,’ says the ancient benediction. This action of the new Zionist Conference ratifying the Jewish agency is an event which will reverberate throughout Jewry of the world. It is a far cry from the Americans of Jewish Persuasion of 1920 and the presence of the group of reform rabbis at the great Conference of 1928. Don’t let us be too critical. M’toch shloh lishmo baah lishmo. Perhaps the liberal German and French Jews will also see the light. All hail to Chaim Weizmann!"

RABBI VICTOR EMANUEL REICHERT,Rockdale Avenue Temple, Cincinnati, O.–"American Jewry is to be congratulated on the enlightened leadership which made possible the peace pact at the recent Non-Zionist Conference. That it will not eventuate in a ‘scrap of paper’document, but will be the basis for mutual confidence and respect is the fervent prayer of all those who love the cause and champion the destiny of catholic Israel."

RABBI GOODMAN A. ROSE, Congregation Beth Shalom, Pittsburgh,Pa.–"I am elated by every evidence of unity in American Israel by increased interest in Palestine."

RABBI WILLIAM ROSENAU, Eutaw Place Temple, Baltimore, Md.–"The conference in question should be considered an epoch-making event, not only for American Jewry but also for World Jewry. I say ‘for American Jewry’ because we have long enough been split up into antagonistic parties on the basis of Palestinian rehabilitation. I say ‘for World Jewry’ because Palestine must be dear to every Jew. no matter where residing, and is the land where hundreds have taken refuge either by virtue of personal choice or in consequence of its being an available homeland."

RABBI ISRAEL J. SARASOHN, Temple B’nai Jeshurun, Leavenworth, Kan.–"Every Jew should hail with delight the obliteration of factional differences concerning the rebuilding of Palestine and Dr. Weizmann and Mr.Louis Marshall are to be congratulated upon their statesmanship in preparing the way for a united Jewish people to support the Palestinian Mandate.

"The relief of pressing social and economic problems among the Jews of Palestine gives promise of a more hopeful solution since the adoption of the recommendations of the Palestine Survey Commission by a section of American Jewry that could hitherto not see its way clear to co-operate in the efforts to make Palestine a homeland for the people of Israel."

RABBI TOBIAS SCHANFARBER K. A. M. Temple, Chicago, III.–"I cannot help but think of the rather strange situation of the Non-Zionists and the Pro-Zionists having formed a holy alliance together, a Brith Sholom, while the Zionists themselves are divided into two and three factions, holding each other by the throat. Everyone remarked on the absence of Dr. Stephen Wise from the Conference. To say the least the situation is anomolous. As long as the division in the Zionist ranks in not healed up, it is flying in the face of facts to speak of absolute unity in Israel or to say that never before in the history of the world were the Jews of the world so closely united as they are today’."

LOUIS SHAPIRO, Portsmouth, N,H.–"There was an earnestness that dominated the proceedings of the Conference clearly indicating that the delegates assembled were deeply concerned with the problems of Palestine. The non-Zionists are in accord with the plans for creating a home for the homeless regardless of political slogans. There is a passion for unity in American Jewry which unity Zion will bring about. I regard the outcome as of greatest significance. There is one road now on which all Jews will travel and that road is to Zion. The covenant entered into is one that will spell a new era for the cause of Israel. I have implicit confidence and faith in Louis Marshall, Felix Warburg and all the good men that are associated with him."

RABBI MORRIS SCHUSSHEIM, Providence, R.I.–"The creation of the Jewish Agency that will make possible unified action in the achievement of Israel’s greatest cause by all of Israel leads one to hope that not only will Palestine as a Jewish Home Land benefit thereby, but that all Jewish life will be stimulated to a unity of action and purpose so sadly lacking hitherto."

DR. JOSEPH SILVERMAN, Temple Emanu-El, New York City–"There is one man who can proudly say, though he will not, on account of his modesty: I told you so.’ That man is Dr. Judah L. Magnes, the Dean of the Hebrew University. In 1909 when I was still an anti-Zionist, Dr. Magnes said to me one day: ‘The time is coming when all of you anti-and non-Zionists will join with the Zionists in the re-building of Palestine.’ It was not till 1920 that I finally saw the new light and preached a sermon on the topic: Do the Jews Realize the Significance of the Baffour Declaration? And in September of 1923, the Zionist Organization appointed me as an unofficial commissioner to go to Palestine, make an investigation and report the truth as I found it.

After spending several weeks in Palestine, unhampered in any way in my study of conditions, I wired to the Zionist Organization of America: ‘The achievements of the Zionists in Palestine are beyond my anticipations. The future of the country is assured.’ Then I wrote a full report of what I had learned in Palestine through observation in the spot and conversation with all sorts and conditions of people there and published it in several installments in the New York ‘Tribune,’ in Jewish papers and in pamphlet form. That tells briefly the story of my graduation from an anti- to a non-Zionist and then to an active participant in Zionist operations for Palestine reconstruction.

"It is no wonder, then, that I hail the merger of non-Zionists and Zionists in the new Jewish Agency with enthusiasm and unbounded optimism. I know the men who have sponsored this merger They are whole-souled Jews who do nothing haphazardly or cold-heartedly or for a selfish motive. They seek the welfare of Israel and Judaism and when they have once decided that Palestine is worth-while for the sake of Israel and Judaism they will not stop at halfmeasures, they will not be balked by petty rivalries. They will see the thing through, no matter what the difficulties. what the cost, until Palestine will be self-supporting."

RABBI MORRIS SILVERMAN Emanuel Synagogue, Hartford, Conn.–"I consider this event as of great historical significance, marking a new epoch in the life of American Jewry, and incidentally vindicating the vision, persistence and idealism of the Zionists. American Israel is at last united in the task of building up our ancestral home in Palestine. A new vista of potentialities now opens before us and yet we must not be blind to the fact that it may take several years before the fervor and enthusiasm of these leaders will percolate to the rank and file of the various groups which they represent. In the meanwhile, old Zionists must not slacken their efforts and sacrifices, and must not anticipate too much immediately in a practical way."

JERRY SIMON, Madison, Wis.–"I was more than pleased to learn of the marvelous work accomplished in the formation of the Jewish Agency, an organization which will in a practical manner, solve the problems of the rehabilitation of Palestine. While I am a non-Zionist, I still think that Palestine has many problems which must be dealt with and solved and should be of great concern to all Jews, whether Zionist or non-Zionist.

"I therefore congratulate Mr. Marshall for the valuable work accomplished at the Conference in the uniting of all the different factions and to harmoniously work for the upbuilding of Palestine."

MAX SIMON, Cleveland, O–"In my opinion the Conference was a step in the right direction. If the spirit of the Conference is translated into appropriate action it will mean much for Palestine and American Jewish life will benefit immeasurably from its healing and unifying influence."

RABBI JACOB SINGER, Temple Mizpah, Chicago,III.–"The unification of Israel must precede our redemption is the dictum of our sages.

"With the cooperation of all sections our difficulties will vanish and the rennaissance of the Jewish spirit will become manifest in all of our scattered communities."

ISADOR SOBEL, Erie, Pa.–"I was delighted to learn of the unanimous result in favor of the the Jewish Agency, which will have my hearty support."

RABBI LEON SPITZ, Hoboken Jewish Center, Hoboken, N.J–"The Non-Partisan Conference at Hotel Biltmore is an event which will be recorded in golden letters on the pages of American Jewish history. The hope is justified that it will tend to united world Jewry in the sacred task of the upbuilding of our homeland."

ABE SRERE, Detroit, Mich.–"The action taken at the Non-Zionist Conference is of a nature to hearten every Jew interested in the Palestine project The results achieved mark the Conference as one of the greatest events in the history of Palestinian effort since the Balfour Declaration, and it is my personal opinion that any uncertainty that might have existed as to ultimate success, has been entirely dissipated.

"I also believe that the Jewish Daily Bulletin is to be highly commended for the thoroughness of its report on the Conference."

RABBI H. CERF STRAUS, The Temple, Alexandria, La,–"In the first place. I am happy and joyful over the reported results in as much as it seems hat we have made a start toward an united Jewry. This is something that we have needed badly for many years There has been entirely too much conflict.

"However, on the other hand, I wonder jpst how much sincerity and honesty there is back of the whole scheme? Or just how much polities and the exigencies of the time player in this matter?"

SOLOMON SUFRIN, Chairman, Advisory Board, United Roumanian Jews of America–"All I can say is that we have all witnessed The Rebirth of the Jewish Nation, and the event has written a glorious page in Jewish modern history."

RABBI J. MARSHALL TAXAY, Temple Israel, Terre Haute, Ind.–"We’ve heard their say; we’ll see if they’ll pay."

RABBI SAMUEL TEITELBAUM, United Hebrew Congregation, Fort Smith, Ark.–" I only hope that the non-Zionists are not merely approving the Zionist program, but will actually compensate for lost time and work and give substantial aid in the reconstruction of Palestine."

RABBI MORRIS TELLER, Chicago, III.–"If, in spite of all difficulties and handicaps of meagre means, indifference and even opposition from without and within so much has been accomplished in Palestine since the Balfour Declaration, how much more can we rightfully hope to see achieved in and for Palestine with the added forces of Pro-Palestine Non-Zionists giving their material and moral support to the project of the rehabilitation of the land.

"Now that the bridge between Pinsk and New York has been completed, Zionists and so-called non-Zionists will cease arguing and will commence doing together, as Jewish brethren, practical work on a larger scale."

RABBI PHILIP F. WATERMAN, Temple Emanuel, Grand Rapids, Mich.–"This is the first time in Jewish history since the passing of David that our people has been united on a question of policy. It is well that this unity should be elicited by the rebirth of Jewishness in Eretz Yisroel. People may say that Palestinian activity is Zionist activity and is expressive of the aims of but a single faction’in Jewry. But the world feels and has felt all along, that this is a Jewish movement–expressive of the whole spirit of Israel. In this the world is correct. The rebuilding of Palestine is a duty of the whole Jewish people Let us thank God that Israel as a whole recognizes this obligation."

HENRY WINEMAN, Detroit, Mich.–"The announcement of the result of the Non-Zionist Conference, recently held in New York, was accepted with hearty approval by many of the leading Jews in Detroit.

"The acceptance of the responsibility for the further development of Palestine by all Jews of the United States, of whatever shade of belief, is a fine expression of a new harmony in Israel, and a project worthy of the endorsement of all broadminded Jews."

RABBI LOUIS WITT, Congregation Shaare Emeth, St. Louis, Mo.–"The enlargement of the Jewish Agency was an event of great historic-significance and beneficence. A Jewish settlement in Palestine, if we safeguard it from political ‘isins’ and nationalist involvements, will be a noble asset for a universal Israel. It will be a refuge to the Jew who is oppressed. It will restore the Jew to the soil. It will be our decisive refutation of the outrageous charge that the Jew is only a middleman and a parasite. It will constitute a reservoir of Jewish units and values to offset the apathies and the defections in the Diaspora. In University and Sanctuary, it may recreate a spiritual renaissance, a light that will shed luster on the Jewish name to the ends of the earth."

RABBI SAMUEL WOLK, Cambridge, Mass.–"It would not be enough to say that the Jewish Agency Conference is a step in the right direction. More than that, it is consonant with the natural march of Jewish life and thought that have characterized our people for many, many years. Congratulations to all those who have fallen in line!"