The eventual possibility of establishing a "Jewish state" in Palestine was described as being "impossible" by Dr. Judah L. Magnes, chancellor of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, in an interview at the Commodore Hotel yesterday.
"The Arabs have their own nationalistic ambitions," said Dr. Magnes, "as well as the Jews. Their idea is perhaps to set up a strictly Arab Palestine. It seems to me that the ideal thing would be an Arab Jewish state."
The Chancellor landed at Boston on his arrival from Palestine April 30 to confer with the American Friends of Hebrew University in connection with raising funds for the university. The sum will be used in appointing German Jewish scholars to chairs in the University.
Bronzed and with the look of a man accustomed to the outdoors and healthful living, Dr. Magnes spoke with a group of newspaper men who queried him on a miscellany of subjects ranging from the settlement of Angola, in South Africa, as a possible haven for German refugees, to the formation of a Turkish University.
Speaking of the "Arab Jewish state" which he upheld as an "ideal from the point of view of settling differences between the two races," Dr. Magnes pointed out that at the present time the Arabs "are rather happy and prosperous as a result of Jewish reconstruction of the Holy Land." He spoke of the University as the "cultural center" of the Near East and said that its function in cementing Arab and Jew, Christian and non-Christian, and other nationalities, is extremely important.
"The Hebrew University must be enabled to bring to Jerusalem some of the distinguished scholars and scientists who are ready to come here," said the Chancellor, referring to his purpose in coming to the United States. It must also be ready to bring here some of the younger men who show promise of great things."
SEEKS ECONOMICS CHAIR
The funds at the disposal of the University are limited, the Chancellor pointed out, adding that it is his ambition to establish a chair in sociology and economics. One means of attaining this objective, he said, is to interest the working classes of America in the project and possibly enlist their financial support.
Someone asked what Dr. Magnes thought of Angola as a haven for German Jews. He said he had heard nothing about it.
"What about the Revisionist trial?" a newspaper man asked.
He referred to the trial of the three young Revisionist Zionists, Zvi Rosenblatt, Aba Achemeier and Abraham Stavsky, now being tried for the murder of the late Dr. Chaim Arlosoroff.
"There is much tension in Palestine among the Jews, brought about by this trial," said Dr. Magnes. "The sooner they reach a decision, the better."
TURKS REPEAT HISTORY
The Chancellor praised the attitude of the Turkish government in extending welcome to a number of German Jewish scholars who were given chairs in the University of Istanbul.
"This is a repetition of history." said the Chancellor. "Back in the fifteenth century when the Spanish Jews were fleeing for their lives, the Turks helped them and gave them refuge."
Dr. Magnes was accompanied by Dr. Max Schloessinger, associate chancellor of the University, and will engage in a series of conferences with members of the American Friends of Hebrew University in a series of conferences from May 12 to May 14. He will sail for Palestine May 26.
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