The imperative need of instituting self-government in Palestine “without delay” under a bi-national Arab-Jewish system based upon the equality and parity of the two peoples, was stressed here last night by Dr. Judah L. Magnes, president of the Hebrew University, who is now on a visit to the United States. He also urged that “some arrangements should be made rapidly whereby the Jews would have a voice within the United Nations organization.”
“It is fatuous to think that the complicated situation in Palestine can be settled by force of arms,” he stated in a nation-wide broadcast. “If one people were to conquer the other today, this would leave a legacy of hate for generations.” He expressed the belief that “there can be no doubt but that the 100,000 displaced Jews will be admitted to Palestine, no matter what the stumbling blocks,” and emphasized that the aid of governments and of international bodies will be required to make Palestine capable of absorbing them.
A new British policy, he stated, will find itself definitely and firmly on the right path in Palestine the moment the Labor Government decides that one of the primary objectives of policy is cooperation between the Jews and the Arabs. “Such policy of cooperation has been announced by the British Government on many occasions, but never sincerely adhered to,” he declared. “With the passing of the years this Jewish-Arab cooperation has been made more and more difficult. But it is by no means too late. The ordinary Jew and the ordinary Arab, the plain people, do cooperate even today. They are for peace, not for war.”
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
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.