Crisis in Germany Spurs into Activity Sons of Philadelphia Jewry’s Leaders

The second generation of the present Jewish leadership—at least in Philadelphia—has decided to step into the arena with a view to bringing about clearer understanding and better-will among the dramatis personae now accupying the center of the stage in American Jewish life.

Wearied of the wrangling, the cross purposes and the disorganization now a characteristic of Jewish leadership, these younger men—at least in this city—are essaying the part of peacemakers in Israel. Of especial interest is the fact that these younger men are not blind followers of their elders.

Heading this movement here is Dr. Leon Solis-Cohen, son of the distinguished medical scientist, poet and communal spirit, Dr. Solomon Solis-Cohen. The senior Dr. Solis-Cohen is a member of the American Jewish Committee. He is one of the founders of that body; also one of the founders of the Jewish Publication Society, Jewish Historical Society, Jewish Theological Seminary and others. His son, Leon, is following in the footsteps of his father.

Another of the younger men who has now come to the fore is Bernard L. Frankel, a nephew of the late Dr. Lee K. Frankel. Bernard Frankel was always interested in Jewish affairs but only in a mild way. He is a member of the Board of the Jewish Publication Society and of a number of local institutions.

Then there is Benjamin L. Rubinsohn, whose father, the late Dr. Louis S. Rubinsohn, was one of the founders and throughout his life a staunch supporter of the American Jewish Congress. Mr. Rubinsohn has for many years been identified with the Palestine movement; was Chairman of Region 4 of the United Palestine Appeal, comprising Eastern Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey and Delaware; active in Philadelphia Zionist affairs and president of one of the leading local Jewish institutions. For the past two or three years Mr. Rubinsohn has been inactive.

The present situation in American Jewry seems to have stimulated these men to action. They feel the time has come for the younger men to become articulate. Several weeks ago Dr. Leon Solis-Cohen and Bernard L. Frankel came together with Louis E. Levinthal and Benjamin L. Rubinsohn, in the hope of charting a program of action.

Mr. Levinthal is the son of Rabbi B. L. Levinthal, dean of Orthodox Rabbis of this country.

A number of sessions were held at which the merits of the present controversy were thoroughly discussed. These discussions led to the formation of a larger committee, more representative of the city. In the larger committee some of the older members of the community, such as Rabbi Wm. Fineshriber, Minister of Congregation Keneseth Israel, the largest Reform Congregation in the city, and Rabbi Max D. Klein, Rabbi of Adath Jeshurun.

There were also included a number of younger men with definite commitments either for one group or the other. This large committee held a number of lengthy sessions. As a result of these conferences it is understood that an interesting document has been drawn and forwarded to the heads of both the American Jewish Committee and the American Jewish Congress. How much good this document will do none will say.