An appeal for strengthening the Zionist Organization was contained in a proclamation issued by the Zionist Executive here. The months of Adar I and Adar II, from February 11 to April 11, are proclaimed as Shekel months, during which all Zionist Federations and separate unions are to conduct a big Zionist propaganda and to spread the sale of the Shekel.
“The Zionist Organization,” the proclamation declares, “encircles the whole globe. The world measures the strength of every democratic movement, and of ours too, by the number of its adherents. We know that hundreds of thousands of Jews, the majority of the Jewish people, are animated by the Zionist idea. But a great deal must yet be done in order that the triumph of Zionism as an ideal may find expression both in the medium of organization and in the growth of numbers. Only by unceasing propaganda can we win over our fellow-Jews to the aims and aspirations of the Jewish national movement and make them realize the loftiness of its mission. This task of conversion is now the supreme duty of all.
“We call upon you to utilize the coming months for a comprehensive canvassing campaign among all sections of the Jewish people. The strengthening of the Zionist Organization is a prerequisite for all progress and a guarantee for the ultimate success of our work. All Zionist groups are united in recognizing the necessity for the demand that the Zionist movement shall be powerful both in numbers and in spirit. Our collaboration with other will be fruitless if the driving force of Zionism and of the Zionist Organization de-declines or relaxes. The Congress opens on July 28. Only Shekolim remitted to the Executive by May 27 can, in accordance with the regulations, be taken into account in fixing the number of Congress delegates to be returned by the various countries. Only five months remain for intensive Shekel activity and the preparation of one of the most important Congresses in the history of the Zionist movement.
“The Executive, fortified by the renewed decisions of the General Council, is resolved to do everything in order to ensure the convening of the inaugural meeting of the Council of the enlarged Jewish Agency as soon as possible after the Congress. The Congress, we hope, will elect men and women who will represent the Zionist idea and Organization in the controlling organs of the enlarged Jewish Agency, and adopt decisions which will determine the lines of policy to be observed by the Zionist Organization within the new working alliance.
“The Congress signifies a turning point in the history of Zionism, the close of an old and illustrious epoch and the beginning of a new and still greater period. To link up such a close with such a beginning can be done only by a Congress which fully and worthily represents the Zionist Organization and movement in all their ramifications. Our appeal is, therefore, addressed both to all those who have the courage and confidence to believe that Zionism, in the working out of its new task, will convincingly manifest its power, as well as to those who may wish to express doubts and to make other proposals before the legitimate forum of the Congress. Our appeal to all is to make sure that their views are represented.”
The proclamation is signed by Dr. Chaim Weizmann, the President of the Zionist Organization, Nahum Sokolow, Chairman of the Zionist Executive, Prof. Selby Brodetsky. Dr. Felix Rosenblueth, Colonel F. H. Kisch, Harry Sacher, Miss Henrietta Szold and Louis Lipsky.
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