Immigration Half of America’s in 1907

Palestine today is annually absorbing half the number of Jews that immigrated to the United States in 1907, the peak year of Jewish immigration into that country, it was pointed out by Dr. Werner Senator of Jerusalem in his report on immigration.

This figure, approximately 75,000, has been attained despite the fact, Dr. Senator stated, that Palestine of today is economically not developed to the same extent that America was in 1907.

Justifying the present policy of selective immigration by which preference is given to youth instead of the middle aged, Dr. Senator declared that large scale immigration must be the basis of the Jewish work in Palestine. He said, however, that the present state of the Hachshara (training camps for Palestine pioneers) is not to be considered ideal.

Moshe Shertok, reporting on the political situation in Palestine, described the inroads which the Arabs of the neighboring countries are making and declared that they are underming the prosperity of the country.

Referring to the need for an understanding between the British, Arabs and Jews, Mr. Shertok said it is possible to harmonize the interests of all three in the Near East. The Executive’s energies, he said are being directed to that end.

Mr. Shertok attacked the proposed legislative council, pointing out that as long as there is no Arab-Jewish understanding the council is to be considered as hampering the growth of the Jewish National Home. At the same time, Dr. Senator echoed Dr. Weizmann’s announced intention to continue to cooperate with the mandatory power in all other matters.

Dr. Bernhard Kahn, European director of the Joint Distribution Committee, reporting for the credentials committee of the Agency, stated that the 224 members of the Agency’s Council were represented by 112 Zionists and 112 non-Zionists, with the American non-Zionist delegation of thirteen having 44 votes.

Last night a reception was tendered the members of the Jewish Agency in the Congress and Arts Palace by the Swiss Jewish community. Speakers were Solly Myer, on behalf of the Swiss Jews, Dr. Nahum Sokolow on behalf of the Zionist Movement, and Neville Laski, president of the Board of Jewish Deputies in London, on behalf of the non-Zionists.

Earlier in the day the non-Zionists held their first conference at which they formulated their demands, equal representation in the Jewish Agency Council and Executive. More than forty members from all parts of the world attended. Among the American members in attendance are Morris Waldman, Dr. Maurice B. Karpf and Alexander Kahan of New York.

The Council of the Jewish Agency consists of 224 members, of whom 110 are Zionists and an equal number are non-Zionists interested in the upbuilding of Palestine. Four are officers of the body.