Search JTA's historical archive dating back to 1923

Weizmann Urges Arab Fears of Jewish Majority Be Allayed

November 17, 1936
See Original Daily Bulletin From This Date
Advertisement

Declaring that Arabs and Jews are destined to build a “common fatherland” in Palestine, Dr. Chaim Weizmann, president of the Jewish Agency for Palestine, urged in an article published by The Sun Saturday that the two peoples “sit round a table and try to work out, on the basis of the actual possibilities of the country, a modus vivendi.”

He said that while Arabs admit that they have not suffered from Jewish settlement, they are beset by an “almost Biblical, Pharaonic fearless the Jews become too numerous.”

“In this element of fear–and it is very difficult to reason with people who are frightened–there is a reality with which one has to reckon,” said Dr. Weizmann, “and it is our duty to allay the fears of the Arabs, in our activities and in our relationships with them.

“It is our duty to point out that if the development of Palestine goes on as it has done up to the present, not only will the Arabs not become weaker, but they will become stronger than they have been hitherto. And they will see that we have no desire to oust them, as we have proved by our activities.”

In regard to the Royal Commission’s inquiry, he said, “We are perfectly willing that this inquiry should be made. We rely on our achievements and on the promises solemnly given that our work shall go on because we feel that it is the destiny of our people which is being worked out on this sacred soil.”

Recommended from JTA

Advertisement