Palestine received the verdict in the Arlosoroff case today with feelings verging in consternation. Since the release of Aba Achimeier, one of the defendants, it had been expected that the remaining two men would be freed. Increased police detachments patrolled all parts of the city of a Jerusalem today to prevent possible disorders and demonstrations as crowds gathered before newspaper billboards to read the reports of the case and congregated on the streets to discuss the case. All factions of Palestine Jewry united in calling on the Jewish population to preserve the peace. Chief Rabbit A. I. Ha. Cohen Kook issued a public appeal “to all parties in Palestine and abroad.”
“I feel it my holy duty to demand of you all, especially after the proper spirit of peace and patience and to suspend internal, fraternal war.
“I hope our justice will triumph.”
The Central committee of Revisionists issued a proclamation warning that “the verdict will upset the Jewish nation the world over” but pointing out that the decision is not final and will automatically pass to the court of appeals.
“The trial was conducted in an atmosphere of libel. incitement and thirst for blood,” the manifesto asserted, “but more important is the verdict of the Jewish people.”
COMPARES CAUSES CELEBES
The proclamation compares the case with the Inquisition and the Tsarist blood libels, and with the Dreyfus a Beilis causes celebres.
“The object is to increase division in Jewish ranks, disintegrate unity and deprive us of the opportunity to struggle for existence in the future, it declares.
“We are confident that the truth will triumph and we call on the Yishub (Jewish population) t maintain order and discipline.”
The Histadruth, the Jewish isbor federation, between which body and the Revisionists there have been frequent violent clashes, issued a proclamation warning against the possibility of provocations leading to clashes with the police, as happened in Tel Aviv on May 23, the day on which the Jews carried out general strike to protest immigration restriction.
“This time the clash may be more serious,” the Histadruth warned. “Therefore,” the federation urged its members, “behave yourselves these days.”
Pointing out that it is common sense not to gather in crowds now, the proclamation warned against provocateurs. “Do not disturb street traffic nor hinder the police,” it urged. “See that order is preserived.”
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
