Louis Lipsky Feted at Reception Given by New York Zionist Region

Louis Lipsky, president of the Zionist Organization of America, was the guest of honor Sunday night at a reception given by the New York Zionist Region on the occasion of the Zionist leader’s return from Europe. About 500 New York Zionists were present at the banquet which was held at the Level Club.

The New York Zionist Region was constituted at an all day conference which took place on Sunday at the Level Club. Leo Wolfson, attorney, former president of the United Roumanian Jews of America, was elected president of the new body.

Much attention was attracted by a communication from Dr. Mordecai M. Kaplin, rabbi of the Society for the Advancement of Judaism, who took an active part in the work of the Committee on Peace and Reconstruction which attempted to bring about unity in Zionist ranks, prior to and during the Zionist convention in Pittsburgh. It was understood then that the Committee and Dr. Kaplan were not inclined to favor the re-election of Mr. Lipsky to the presidency of the American Zionist Organization. In the communication addressed to Mr. Wolfson, Dr. Kaplan pledged his cooperation and support to Mr. Lipsky in his effort to raise the morale of the Zionist movement in the United States.

Dr. Kaplan’s letter read: “I regret I am prevented from attending the dinner given in honor of Mr. Louis Lipsky. However, I wish to take this occasion to pledge my wholehearted cooperation and support to Mr. Lipsky in his effort to raise the morale of the Zionist Movement in this country, as expressed in his statement on his return from Europe.

“Having kept close to the scene of action during those unfortunate weeks when the Zionists squandered their energies on petty political squabbles. I have become convinced of Mr. Lipskv’s readiness to sacrifice reputation, which men hold even dearer than life when the thought that the highest interest of Zionism demanded it. If he was spared that sacrifice, it was because the authoritative voice that spoke out of the Jewish soul stayed his hand.

“We have indeed good reason to rejoice that Mr. Lipsky’s leadership has been retained, not only because it is inherently indispensable to the Movement, but also because it has given our people a chance to demonstrate that it knows how to be appreciative and grateful for ability that is devoted to its highest interests. The manifestation of loyalty to Mr. Lipsky’s leadership is an incentive to all who are intellectualy and spiritually qualified to lead, to give their service to the Jewish people, and help it realize its great potentialities.” Dr. Kaplan concludes “with reiterated assurance of my fealty to the Zionist Organization of America.”

In his speech at the banquet, Mr. Lipsky urged unity and harmony in the Zionist movement. He reported on the events that had taken place at the Actions Committee meeting in Berlin, which he had attended as the American representative. Pointing out that during the past seven years the energy of American Zionists had been concentrated on the raising of funds for Palestine, Mr. Lipsky urged that the time has come for more serious attention to the problems of Zionist education. He declared that it was very important that the Zionist spirit be developed, even if the amount of money raised for the upbuilding of Palestine were less.

In decrying the emphasis that has been placed upon money and those who give money for Palestine without realizing the implications of their gift, Mr. Lipsky urged the Zionists of America to devote themselves to a comprehensive cultural program, and thus make America participate in the international Jewish renaissance.

The newly erected educational building of Temple Emanuel, Post Avenue, Port Richmond, will be used for the first time for religious services on New Year’s Day. The services will be conducted by the junior congregation. This building was erected at cost of approximately $75,000 and will house all young people’s activities of Port Richmond and the surounding townships.