Before leaving for Syria, John D. Rockefeller, Jr., in an interview with the correspondent of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency here, expressed his admiration for the Holy City and voiced the hope that he will be able to make another visit to Jerusalem when the museum which he has endowed will be completed.
The itinerary of Mr. Rockefeller included visits to the Holy Sepulchre, the Mosque of Omar. Bethelhem, Jericho, Narareth, and the Megiddo excavations. Because of the little time available visits to all other points of interest, including those of modern Palestine were excluded. The distinguished visitor expressed his reget that he had no time to see the Hebrew University or to visit some of the Jewish colonies.
“We have much to learn from the past. A study of the past contributes toward a better understanding of the development of man and society.” Mr. Rockefeller stated. In making his endowment for the Jerusalem museum, he expressed no special wishes, leaving its construction and administration entirely in the hands of the government of Palestine in which he has full confidence.
Mr. Rockefeller was received by the High Commissioner. Sir John Chancellor.
When asked by the correspondent for his opinion of the Zionist movement and its work in Palestine. Mr. Rockefeller stated that “Zionism is a controversial and intricate question and it would be impertinent for me to express an opinion as I know very little about it.”
JTA has documented Jewish history in real-time for over a century. Keep our journalism strong by joining us in supporting independent, award-winning reporting.
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.
