Practical Zionism

From the time I attended my first Zionist Congress in 1927, I realized then and I realize it even more today, that, admirable as it would be if Keren Hayesod could do all the colonization work needed in the land—and the need grows greater year by year as the refugees come pouring in—it is impossible for that organization to cope with the problem in its entirety. Particularly is this true now when, due to the falling off of Keren Hayesod collections all over the world, the money is not forthcoming to cover the monster budget necessary.

Furthermore, and this is most important, there are people with small means who can be, and want to be settled within already established colonies, and since the Keren Hayesod cannot and does not do this kind of settling, it is well that some one is doing it. These settlers are more than happy to be guided and settled by reputable development companies who do not go in for speculation and misrepresentation—it is to be deplored that there are all too few such trustworthy companies, the while there are far too many leeches and bloodsuckers in the land—so, a private company, reputably manned, properly organized, can do a tremendous piece of work supplementary to the work of the Keren Hayesod in the land.

During a visit to Palestine in 1933 I became interested in the completion of a plan for the formation of a “Geulath Hamayim” (Water Company) and a Planting and developing Company. Wells were bored and, to the rejoicing of the populace, water was found. And with the prospect of really finding water, the Israel Development Company, Ltd., was organized, of which I was appointed chairman.

The Israel Development Company, Ltd., stresses and encourages planting that which is needed in the land for Jewish consumption, namely mixed fruits and vegetables. About seventy five per cent of the vegetables used by the Jews come from Arab, Christian, German, and out of the country sources. This is a tragic state of affairs. In addition, too, the amount of money sent out of the country is positively staggering. After ten years of experimentation in various sections of the land, it has been found that mixed fruits can be grown most successfully.

In the meantime, the German Department of the Jewish Agency organized a group called Rassco (“Rassco” meaning Rural and Suburban Settlement Company) for the purpose if settling German Jews on the sail in agricultural colonies not far from towns and cities. Their representatives suggested an alliance whereby we could work together in a broader colonization project, which I was glad to accept.

My Appeal and advice to American Jews then is as follows—just as it has always been: — If you own any land in Palestine, by all means go there and develop it! If you cannot go there, or do not want to go there—have it developed for you. You will thus make it possible for Jews to work on your land and make a living thereby: you will make it possible for Palestine to have more Jewish-grown fruit and vegetables; and you, yourselves, will have a revenue there from.

If, however, you do not care to plant for yourself or have others plant for pou—then let us buy your land for the purpose of settling Jews on it! No Jew, particularly if he is a Zionist, has the right to hold land without developing it, at a time when land is so badly neded.

Furthermore, I appeal once again to your Zionist loyalty—that loyalty that made you buy land from the American Zion Commonwealth in 1926—don’t sell your land to anyone without first ascertaining who the purchaser is, and what he intends doing with it—don’t sell your land to anyone who may be buying solely for speculation! If you are a Zionist, you can definitely help to discourage speculation by selling to Rassco! Rassco assures you that each parcel bought by them will be positively settled upon through their colonization project!