The solution for the Jewish problem lies in the overthrow of the capitalist system, Professor Edward A. Berman of the University of Illinois declared in addressing an audience of 1,500 in Orchestra Hall. Professor Berman is the first speaker in a series of meetings on “Jews Face Life” sponsored by the Chicago Hadassah organization.
“The sooner capitalism is overthrown, the better it will be for the entire world, since the present capitalistic system is declining and Fascism is natural,” Professor Berman stated.
“A cure for the Jews,” he said, “is the creation of a society in which there are plenty of economic opportunities for Jews. They would not be persecuted if economic opportunities were plentiful.
NO PALESTINE EXPLOITATION
“There are opportunities aplenty for Jews in Palestine, but Jewish traders must not go there to exploit fellow Jews. Palestine cannot be built on the capitalistic principle,” the speaker declared.
“In America,” Professor Berman said, “the prospect for the Jews is a sad one, as Fascism is coming. The status quo is bringing Fascism. We must help evolve in the United States a society in which all peoples will be able to work,” Professor Berman asserted.
Rabbi Solomon Goldman, discussing nationalism, declared that to solve the Jewish problem “we must make Palestine a reality and develop that land which ages have made the Jew feel is his homeland.”
Clarence Darrow, noted attorney, saw assimilation as the answer to the Jewish problem.
Rabbi Bert Heller of the Michigan University Hillel Foundation discussed religious understanding of Jews and termed religion the main aspect of Judaism.
JTA has documented Jewish history in real-time for over a century. Keep our journalism strong by joining us in supporting independent, award-winning reporting.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
