Registration for membership in the Kenesseth Israel, the Jewish community of Palestine which is to be organized under the Palestine Communities Ordinance as a public body, recognized as the representative of the Jewish population in religious, cultural and educational affairs, was closed today.
The registration clearly showed where the majority of Palestine Jews stand in the fight that has been going on for years between the Zionists and the ultra-Orthodox over the question as to whether or not the single community principle is to be followed, or each group be permitted to organize into independent, religious congregations.
Of a total Jewish population of 160,000, 90,000 went on record as declaring their intention to belong to the Kenesseth Israel, which will have the power of taxation in educational and religious matters, while the ultra-Orthodox, led by the Agudath Israel, of which Rabbi Sonnenfeld is the head, polled 7,000 in the registration. These 7,000 went on record as being opposed to the single community and favoring the establishment of independent congregations. Both parties conducted vigorous campaigns during the registration period.
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