Jewish Groups Throughout World Congratulate Einstein on 50th Birthday

Preparations by various organizations, Jewish and non-Jewish, to celebrate the fiftieth birthday of Professor Albert Einstein tomorrow, came to a halt when it was learned that Dr. Einstein left Berlin last night, leaving no address. He is not expected to return before March 24th and only his wife and daughter will spend the anniversary day with him.

Among the many gifts made to Professor Einstein and to charitable organizations in his name on the occasion of his birthday, was one from the City Council of Berlin. The City Council, through Mayor Boess, announced that they had set aside a piece of land on Havel Lake, where a Summer cottage is to be erected by Dr. Einstein’s friends.

Messages of congratulations to Dr. Einstein arrived here from Jewish organizations in many countries. The Zionist Executive of Jerusalem, the Keren Kayemeth and the Vaad Leumi, National Council of Palestine Jews, sent messages.

Messages congratulating Professor Albert Einstein were dispatched from New York by the Jewish National Fund and the Zionist Organization of America.

A mass meeting to celebrate Professor Einstein’s birthday is being arranged for the first week in April. At this meeting the Jewish National Fund will report on the number of Golden Book inscriptions made toward the purchase of a tract of land in Palestine to plan an Einstein forest.

The message of greeting sent by the Zionist Organization of America through Mr. Bernstein, Chairman of Political Affairs of the organization, stated: “The Zionists of America congratulate you on the occasion of your fiftieth birthday and express their admiration for the foremost scientist of our time. Though you have immeasurably enriched the world of physics and mathematics and the world has in turn conferred distinctions upon you, there is no group whose affection and love for you is greater than that of the Jewish people. You are the ideal Jew

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of the twentieth century who has combined a general enthusiasm for the welfare of mankind with a particular zeal for the advancement of the Jewish cause. The demands of science have never been allowed to interfere with your activities on behalf of the Jewish community.

“Your identification with the rebuilding of Palestine as the Jewish National Homeland as well as your support of the creation of a cultural center through such institutions as the Hebrew University in Jerusalem has had a powerful influence in enlisting the aid of thousands of other Jews.”

JEWISH PRESS LAUDS EINSTEIN

While the press in many countries published laudatory articles this week on the occasion of Professor Albert Einstein’s fiftieth birthday today, the American Jewish press carried editorials pointing out his achievements.

The “Jewish Tribune,” in its issue which will appear tomorrow states:

“Perhaps no man in modern days has so riveted public interest as Albert Einstein, whose fiftieth birthday is being celebrated this week. Aside from all the newspaper and magazine articles, it is said that no less than one thousand scientific works have been written on his various theories. The German-Jewish physicist has virtually revolutionized thought in the scientific and philosophical world. The modesty of the man, despite all public acclaim, has given all an increased respect for his greatness and has undoubtedly raised the esteem of the world for the Jew. Of him, it may be said, as was said of Moses, ‘and the man Moses was exceedingly meek.’

“But from a Jewish standpoint, the most striking fact is his firm, unqualified Jewishness. Jewry can boast of many great men, but how few remembered they were Jews when renown came to them. Einstein has taught us the great lesson that it is not necessary “to sell one’s birthright for a mess of pottage” to keep the respect of the civilized world. He has taught us that the sin in this respect is not at the door of the Christian world, but that Jews themselves are to blame when they resort to the humiliating artifices of camouflage and protective coloration.”

The “Detroit Jewish Chronicle” wrote: “Unlike most Jews who have distinguished themselves in the arts and sciences, Dr. Einstein has remained an interested and loyal, and at times a very active Jew. His interest in Zionism has gained for him a position of leadership in the world movement, and the decision of the Federation of German Zionists to plant an Einstein Wood in Palestine should be concurred in by Zionists throughout the world.”