Zionist Congress Interrupts Session As Sign of Deep Concern over Wailing Wall Situation in Jerusalem

The Sixteenth Zionist Congress in plenary session here interrupted its sessions late Friday afternoon as an expression of its deep-felt concern and anxiety over the disturbing situation which arose in Jerusalem because of the danger threatening the Western Wall of the Temple, the age-old remnant of the most sacred Jewish Holy Site in the Holy Land.

Many of the delegates from all parts of the world, who listened while standing to a statement read by Nahum Sokolow, chairman, in behalf of the Zionist World Executive, concerning the action of the Palestine government, stirred by religious emotion, wept as they indicated their approval of the course of action suggested by the Zionist Executive.

A special committee consisting of a member of the Zionist Executive and two others, is to proceed immediately to London to make representations to the British government for the purpose of safeguarding the status quo of the Wailing Wall, around which sacred Jewish sentiments have been centered since the time of the Roman emperors. Louis Lipsky, president of the Zionist Organization of America, Vladimir Jabotinsky, and Col. Frederick H. Kisch, it is stated, are to compose the delegation which is to make the representations to the British Secretary of State for the Colonies.

The statement adopted by the Zionist Executive and Congress as setting forth its position on the controversy with the Moslems of Palestine, which assumed an acute character with the ruling of the government that the Moslems may continue their building operations on top and around the Wall, reads as follows:

TEXT OF STATEMENT ADOPTED

“Since the Sixteenth Zionist Congress assembled, the Zionist Executive received communications from Palestine indicating that permission given by the government for carrying out

“The Zionist Executive has been authoritatively assured that the execution of these works will not result in any act which is calculated to cause annoyance or disturbance to the Jewish worshippers. While not questioning the assurances as to its intentions which were given by the government of Palestine, the Zionist Executive felt it their duty to draw attention to the fact that the opening of direct means of communication between the Haram area and the Jewish place of worship may, in its practical effects, have precisely those results which it is the government’s desire and our just demand shall be rendered impossible. It is, moreover, this aspect of the question which gives rise to profound emotion, which is felt by all Jews of Palestine and throughout the Jewish world.

“Any legal rights which may be possessed by the owners of the property upon which the works are being carried out are governed and limited by the admitted duty of the government to protect the Jewish rights of undisturbed worship.

“After full discussion and in agreement with the Political Commission (of the Zionist Congress) the Executive has decided that one of its members shall proceed to London without delay to represent in proper quarters the grave anxiety with which the Congress regards the present situation.

“Representations will be made to the Secretary of State as to the urgent necessity of taking measures to give practical effect to the assurances received from the government in regard to the exercise of Jewish rights at the Kotel Maaravi and to ensure that the essential character of the area before the Wall as a place of public worship and devotion for the Jewish people shall in no way be impaired.”