(Jewish Telegraphic Agency)
Whether or not the Jewish colonization work in Soviet Russia is a rival to the Jewish colonization in Palestine was the main topic of discussion at a reception given by Albert Fuchs, president of the Moscow Kehillah, to the American visitors here.
The reception was given in honor of Jacob Billikopf, Stanley Faltz, Mr. Schweitzer and William Rosenwald, son of Julius Rosenwald.
In his address Mr. Fuchs described his impressions of the Jewish colonies in the Crimea which he visited recently together with Dr. Maurice Hexter and Reuben Brainin.
Mr. Brainin, who is honorary vice-president of the Zionist Organization of America, stated in his address that he came to Russia full of doubts but without prejudice. After seeing the indescribable misery of the Jews in the towns of Russia, and, on the other hand, the wonderful success of colonization, he must admit that the colonies provide a solution to this problem. “I have been a Zionist for forty years. I was the founder of the first Zionist circle in Moscow, but I can say with a clear conscience that great historic work is being done for the Jews here. There is no contradiction between the Jewish colonization work in Russia and the Jewish colonization work in Palestine. All those who are hindering the work in Russia are committing a crime against the impoverished Jewish masses.” Mr. Brainin exclaimed.
Professor Schor, who recently returned from a visit to Palestine, stated that the Palestine work is very important and has a significance for entire Jewry, but it is in no contradiction to the Russian colonization.
Jacob Billikopf declared that he had already spoken to all classes of Russian Jews and that he had not found a single opponent to the colonization work. Both Zionists and non-Zionists in Russia are warm friends of the movement, Mr. Billikopf stated.
Dr. A. Bragin, initiator of the colonization work, and Seadiah Maze, son of the late Rabbi Jacob Maze, addressed the gathering.
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