From the “Cradle of Liberty” there has gone forth a vehement protest against the Arab atrocities voiced by Mayor Harry W. Mackey.
Addressing a group of Jewish citizens who called upon him this afternoon, Mayor Mackey made it clear that the interest of this country is not only in the American citizens who now chance to be in the Holy Land but in the justice which must be meted out.
“The people of Philadelphia, regardless of race or creed, will watch with great interest the efforts put forth by the English Government to restore order. The Palestine riots are occurring on the eve of the disarmament conferences, and the efforts of the world powers to bring about international peace. When these conferences are held, one of the first matters to be taken up, I am sure, should be the situation in Palestine.
“The people of this country will insist as they did in 1776 when the Declaration of Independence was signed, and again in 1787 when the Constitution of the United States was adopted, that men and women have a right to follow their individual religious beliefs, so long as they do not infringe upon the rights of others.
“Philadelphia stands ready to lend all possible aid to American sufferers, particularly to those who have gone to Palestine from our own city.
“The Balfour Declaration has been adopted by all the civilized nations of the world. The people of the United States will not tolerate injustice to the Jew, no matter where it may occur. The day of intolerance and race prejudice has passed. The Jewish people of Philadelphia are a part of us. There is no distinction between them and any other American citizens. All the force of our local government is at their command at any time. It is perfectly proper that from this birthplace of liberty the most clarion call for justice should go out over the land and across the seas, and reassure our brethren now in this turmoil of strife and prejudice that the entire citizenry of the City of Brotherly Love is behind them in sentiment and financial support.”
Among those who called on the Mayor today were : Rabbi B. L. Levinthal, Louis E. Levinthal, Martin O. Levy, Jacob Ginsburg, Joseph Caplan, Robert M. Bernstein, Jacob B. Hoffman, Leon Meltzer, Abraham Berkowitz, Israel Kohen, Joseph Gross and Mrs. Samuel Schimmel.
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