Morgenthau, Opponent of Political Zionism, Urges National Palestine Loan

(Jewish Telegraphic Agency Mail Service)

The idea of a national loan for Palestine was again discussed by Henry Morgenthau, former United States Ambassador to Turkey, who arrived here on his tour around the world. In an interview with Mr. Morgenthau the representative of “Israel’s Messenger,” Zionist paper of China, submitted to him a Jerusalem despatch of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency of last January in which Mr. Morgenthau described his impressions of Palestine when he revisited it and his enthusiasm for the proposed national loan.

Mr. Morgenthau admitted the correctness of the despatch but denied the statement which was “put in his month,” he said, by the Agency, that the “Zionists have achieved a great political victory.” That was untrue, he stated. “There was no such victory in sight,” he declared, although he was fully prepared to admit that the “advance of Palestine since his last visit in 1914 was stupendous.” This he attributed to the wonderful manner in which the Keren Hayesod was proceeding with the upbuilding of the country, although he felt that much could be done if “a national loan for Palestine” were floated. He was convinced that under half a dozen leading Jewish business men, it would be possible to determine Palestine’s future, and all Jews would ultimately combine in a great effort to upbuild the country.

Mr. Morgenthau made it clear that he was not going to lend his services in order to create in Palestine “The” Jewish National Homeland, but “A” homeland, without any emphasis being laid on the word “National.” According to him, the Balfour Declaration was a mistake According to Mr. Morgenthau Jews going to Palestine should eschew politics and talk more about cultural work and arts with a view to creating a spiritual centre only. What may happen say, after ten, twenty, thirty or forty years is not for us to determine, but must be left to future posterity to settle, he said. Mr. Morgenthau stated he believes he speaks for the elements of wealthy Jews in America and elsewhere, who are against political Zionism.

A third orthodox synagogue will be erected in New Orleans, La. The new synagogue which will be erected by the Sephardic community cost approximately $60,000.

The President of this Congregation is Mr. Harry Rusakoff.

Rabbi Moses Goldberg, leader of the Orthodox Jewry for the last twenty years in New Orleans, is rabbi of the congregation.