(Jewish Telegraphic Agency)
The “Hatikvah,” Zionist hymn, proved itself capable not only of raising Zionist sentiment and confidence in the rebuilding of Zion, but also as a calming influence on Zionists in assembly, when a Keren Hayesod conference in session here was thrown into panic by the outcry “Fire.”
The man who put the Zionist hymn to this test was Col. Josiah Wedgwood, British Labor M. P. who is now touring Roumania on behalf of the Keren Hayesod. During the conference which was attended by a thousand people, the cry of “Fire” threw the audience into turmoil. People rushed for the doors, many were trampled. Wedgwood, from the platform, sensing the danger, began to sing “Hatikvah.” The audience taking up the tune, stood singing thus permitting calm to return. The blaze was extinguished and the meeting resumed.
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
