Leaders Appeal for Keren Hayesod in Its 10th Year

“If every acre of land now in Jewish hands were brought under cultivation and if all economic and cultural efforts were rendered more fruitful then no power on earth could stay the further progress of the Jewish National Home,” reads a manifesto of the Keren Hayesod, the chief financial instrument of the Jewish Agency, issued today in connection with the tenth anniversary of the Keren Hayesod.

Issued under the signatures of Oscar Wasserman, president of the Deutsche Bank and chairman of the board of directors of the Keren Hayesod, and Arthur Hantke and Leib Jaffe, the manifesto calls on the Jews of the world to renewed efforts on behalf of the Keren Hayesod as a reply to the British policy.

The manifesto reads as follows:

“A grievous blow has been dealt by the British government’s latest statement at Palestine Jews and at all Jews associated with the establishment of the Jewish National Home. But just as it has not caused a single Palestine Jew to falter for a moment in his faith and conviction because the reconstruction work is rooted in the profound yearning of our people for Zion, so it cannot weaken the bond that united the whole of Jewry in the sacrifice of achievement for Palestine.

“It is just ten years since the Keren Hayesod was established. It afforded the Jewish people an opportunity to manifest their spirit of sacrifice and their will to reestablish their ancient land. We appeal in this solemn hour to all friends and fellow-workers to remain strong and loyal. The guarantee of our success lies in our own hands. Our determination is proof before Jewry and the whole world that our hopes and actions are based on an unshakable foundation.

“The positions already won must be strengthened and fortified in Jewish towns, villages, schools and industries. If every acre of land now in Jewish hands were brought under cultivation and if all economic and cultural energies were rendered fruitful then no power on earth could stay the further progress and development of the Jewish National Home.

“Entering the second decade of the Keren Hayesod we call for help in our tremendous task for only with the united forces of our people can we hope for the fulfillment of our age-long hope.”