Reports from Palestine state that Jewish labor organizations have displayed posters condemning the appeal issued by rabbis and other Jewish leaders who expressed their faith in the innocence of Abraham Stavsky, sentenced to death for the murder of Chaim Arlosoroff. According to the reports, these posters claim that the appeal in behalf of Stavsky is merely intended for the purpose of “blurring the truth concerning the murder and the murderers.”
If such posters were really displayed by Jewish labor organizations in Palestine, it would seem that these organizations have gone entirely too far. Such methods of playing politics does no honor to the memory of the martyred Chaim Arlosoroff, or to the Jewish labor organization which has done and is doing so much for the upbuilding of Palestine. Such methods only serve to jeopardize the Jewish position in Palestine. And no group or faction, however powerful, has the right to intensify conflict and strife and dissension in Palestinian Jewry.
The Jews throughout the world believe that Abraham Stavsky was not the murderer of Chaim Arlosoroff. Many Jewish and non-Jewish jurists, who have followed closely the course of the preliminary investigation and the trial, are convinced that Stavsky was convicted on flimsy circumstantial evidence. The appeal issued by the rabbis and other Jewish leaders in Palestine is asking for a new trial for Stavsky.
Concerned in establishing the facts regarding the assassination of the great Jewish labor leader and in having the assassination brought to justice, as all other Jews, regardless of their political affiliations, should be, the Jewish labor organization should refrain from public statements and from acts which only tend to increase the tension in Jewish life.
The Jewish labor organization in Palestine has raised the standard of living among the workers and has made the dignity of labor in Palestine exemplary. In this crisis it should not allow itself to be swayed by passions or political considerations.
If Stavsky is innocent, his death would not only fail to alone for the murder of Arlosoroff, but would leave an indelible stain of innocent blood upon Palestinian justice.
There can be no justification from any viewpoint for any attempt to interfere with the efforts that are being made to secure a new trial for Abraham Stavsky. unclear
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