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Neumann Says Weizmann Must Choose Between Zionism and Defeatism

September 11, 1930
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Criticism of Dr. Chaim Weizmann for his recent declaration at the meeting of the Zionist Actions Committee in Berlin in favor of a bi-national state in Palestine is contained in an article in the current issue of the New Palestine, official organ of the Zionist Organization of America. The article, which is entitled “Whither Bound?”, is written by Emanuel Neumann, president of the Jewish National Fund of America.

“American Zionists have for years supported Dr. Weizmann’s policies wholeheartedly”, declares Mr. Neumann. “We have followed him with an almost childlike acquiescence. The time seems to have come to ask ourselves openly and frankly, ‘Where are we bound and whither are we being led?’ The moment is approaching when Dr. Weizmann will have to choose—if indeed he has not already made his choice. On the one hand lies the long and difficult road to Zionism, pure and unadulterated, the embodiment of the modern expression of the agelong dreams and aspirations of our people. On the other hand is the alluring but slippery path of hasty improvisation and diurnal compromise. It leads to something which is not Zionism, not even Achad-Haamism. It is a neo-Zionism. Its true name is defeatism.

“It is not only the leadership but we, the mass of American Zionists and the movement as a whole, who are standing at the crossroads. If we weaken in our faith or our resolve, we shall sink into the morass of opportunism from which we shall be unable to extricate ourselves. In dealing with the fundamentals of Zionism we must be guided by principles, and by them alone”.

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