The situation created by the disaster in Palestine must not be permitted to degenerate into another appeal and an effort must be made at this time to consolidate the forces of American Jewry for effective work in the rebuilding of the Jewish National Home, it was urged Sunday at a conference in the Hotel Pennsylvania, called by the American Jewish Congress. Addresses were delivered by Dr. Stephen S. Wise and former Congressman Nathan D. Perlman. Bernard S. Deutsch, president of the Congress, presided.
In a resolution unanimously adopted, the conference called for the convening, at the earliest possible moment, by the Jewish Agency, of a national all-Jewish conference, its purpose being the “consideration of all problems arising out of the existing situation and the adoption of such measures as may lead to the widest and most effective participation on the part of American Jewry in the building of the Jewish National Home in Palestine.”
The Administrative Committee was authorized to continue its negotiations with the Jewish Agency toward this end. A communication from Felix M. Warburg, chairman of the Administrative Committee of the Jewish Agency, was read, in which he expressed his opinion that the time was not opportune for such a meeting, counselling a dignified silence until the Commission of Inquiry, appointed by Great Britain, shall have rendered its report.
In the discussion it was emphasized by Rabbi Wise and others that in reiterating its belief in the necessity of a national all-Jewish conference, the Congress has no thought of dissension with the Jewish Agency.
It was pointed out that the idea of a national conference was approved by Louis Lipsky, president of the Zionist Organization of America, following a meeting with representatives of the American Jewish Congress.
“Don’t let this situation degenerate into another appeal,” Rabbi Wise pleaded. “This is not Kishineff. The Russian government was our implacable foe. England is our friend. We do not want the situation brought about by this disaster to go by until we shall have utilized it, not that there shall be no repetition, but rather a
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reordering of affairs so as to make anything approaching it impossible. I want Great Britain to remain as the Mandatory Power, but to remember that she has both the Mandate and the power to enforce it.”
“Whether we were well or ill represented in Jerusalem and in London, the moral responsibility of Great Britain remains the same. The disaster is infinitely greater for Britain. Morally we are the victims, but they are the orphans.” Dr. Wise asserted.
Mr. Perlman told of the interviews the American Jewish Congress delegation had with President Hoover, Secretary of State Stimson, the British Ambassador. Sir Esme Howard, and Senator Borah.
A silent tribute to the memory of Louis Marshall was paid.
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