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Zionists Seek $150,000 Emergency Fund for Palestine

April 28, 1936
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Several thousand dollars was raised at a meeting of about 1,000 Zionists of all parties last night at the Hotel Astor after a radiogram was read from Dr. Chaim Weizmann, chairman of the Jewish Agency for Palestine, asking for a $150,000 emergency fund to “meet the immediate requirements of the Jewish Agency.”

Dr. Stephen S. Wise, the principal speaker, declared that the meeting was not called to protest recent disorders in Palestine, because the Jewish community was strong enough not to be obliged to protest, but to take considered action. He said that the British Government was in part responsible for the disorders because of its attitude to the Jewish national home.

Other speakers were Louis Lipsky, Morris Rothenberg and Chaim Greenberg. A resolution was adopted greeting Palestine Jewry, welcoming the Palestine Government’s declaration that it is prepared to preserve order and declaring that it “must not make any political concessions to Arab violence.”

Dr. Weizmann’s message said:

“Jews in Palestine have again been subjected to barbarous attacks. Yishub (Jewish Community) behaving admirably despite trying provocation. Mourn loss of victims but determined continue undeterred with redoubled energy great task of rebuilding our national home where Jews may live as of right and without fear of molestation.

“Appeal to American Jewry share undaunted but calm courage of Yishub and to strengthen their efforts by contributing generously U.P.A.

funds and by providing $150,000 for immediate requirements of Executive Jewish Agency. Only by extension of Jewish colonization and increased immigration can we be assured of ultimate achievement of peace in Palestine.”

A message was also read from the Agency executive, signed by Dr. Weizmann, David ben Gurion and Menachem M. Ussishkin, which said in part:

“Danger is not yet over but the Yishub no longer feels itself helpless; on the contrary it is firmly confident that no hostile force can shatter the solid foundations which we succeeded in laying for our renewed homeland. In case emergency we are ready to stand up like one man for defence of our position, our lives, our honor, but cost what may our work will not be interrupted.”

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