Daily Digest of Public Opinion on Jewish Matters

[The purpose of the Digest is informative: Preference is given to papers not generally accessible in our readers. Quotation does not indicate approval–Editor]

The opinion that the historicity of Jesus of Nuzareth is finally established is expressed in a communication to the London “Morning Post” by Professor Charles G. Seligman, who holds the chair of ethnology in the University of London, according to the correspondent of the New York “Herald-Tribune” (Mar. 8).

Basing his remarks on the assertions of Prof. Seligman the correspondent writes:

“The authenticity of the passage in “The Jewish War of Josephus referring to the founder of Christianity is definitely established. Professor Seligman declares with the concurrence of Gisler and Salomon Reinach.

“It is now conceded that fragments of the Russian translation give part of the true text of ‘The Jewish War.’ The Russian version in question was translated from the Aranmic translator or Josephus from the original Greek text. This version says Professor Seligman, was preserved in Mesopotania whence it was carried to the South Russian Khazars about 900 A. D.

“When a century later the Khazars were compelled by the Russians to adopt Christianity. ‘The Jewish War’ was translated into Russian. The reference to Jesus which appears in the original of Josephus has been regarded hitherto as spurious, but the same passage appearing in the Russian version has now been pronounced genuine. The importance of this passage, says Professor Seligman, is that it establishes completely the historicity of Jesus.”

URGES HAKOAH CLUBS FOR AMERICAN JEWS

The creation in the near future in this country of Hakoah athletic clubs among the Jews on the principle of the 400 Hakoah clubs in Europe is predicted by George Daley, who writes the “Sport Talk” column in the New York “World.”

Commenting on the forthcoming visit to this country of the Hakoah soccer football team of Vienna, which has won national championships in England, Austria, Poland, etc., Mr. Daley observes (World March 6).

“With 400 Hakoah clubs throughout Europe aiming to build up the physical welfare of Jews it will not be long before half that number are established in this country. No doubt this soccer team is a sort of an advance agent to establish an entering wedge. I for one am behind any organization which aims to development in sports along wholesome and proper lines. There is fertile ground here for Hakoah clubs. I do not agree with Mr. Tuvim that sports have barely touched the Jews. On this side of the Atlantic, at least, they have taken to all games with eager appetite and much relish.”

MORE SUBWAYS FOR THE EAST SIDE

Immediate action to secure another subway for the East Side of New York is urged by the “Harlem Magazine” official organ of the Harlem Board of Commerce in its March number.

In the course of its editorial on the question of solving New York’s transit problem, the “Harlem Magazine” declares:

“Up to date, all subways planning so far as the Borough of Manhattan is concerned, has been confined to the West Side. This is all wrong and unfair. Something should be done at once to get another subway for the East Side of Manhattan with extensions in the Bronx and Brooklyn.”