Shertok Calls for Jewish Unity to Strengthen Zionist Case Before U.n.; Hits Threchism

The necessity for Jews everywhere to be united so as to strengthen the Zionist case before the United Nations was stressed here tonight by Moshe Shertok, head of the political department of the Jewish Agency, addressing the 15th annual Third Seder of the National Committee for Labor Palestine.

Shertok declared, however, that despite the importance of the decision to be made by the U.N., the ultimate fate of Jewish Palestine lies in the hands of the Jews themselves. “Most essential is to bring over Jews despite the ban,” he said, ” and settle them despite the land laws, equip them for defense against any danger that may arise. Let us not forget that we are still an island in a hostile sea which may become turbulent one day.”

The Agency political chief warned that “anarchy” threatens the Zionists’ struggle for a Jewish state in Palestine. “Jewish life has produced profiteers of anarchy and ignorance,” he added. “A group is operating in this country which is an association of charlatans and dupes — of people who are clever but unscrupulous technicians and people who quite innocently are taken in by the slogans bandied about. The result is that a huge fraud is being perpetrated on the credulous Jewish public. The sacred slogan of Jewish independence is being profaned. Precious energies and funds, instead of being devoted to the resoue of Jews and the strengthening of our position in Palestine, are wasted in campaigns of self-advertisement and self-inflation in America and elsewhere.

“In Palestine, too, anarchy is rearing its ugly head…By means of bombs and pistols, they (terrorists) try to impose their will on the community and terrorize it into submission. They stain our standard with the blood of innocent people. They provide our British enemies with ready excuses for mass reprisals which hit us harder and harder. They are pushing the Yishuv to the brink of ruin… They are the most effective allies of the White Paper regime.”

Mayor William O’Dwyer, Rabbi Stephen S. Wise, David Pinski, noted Jewish playwright, Lt. Rivka Yoffe, of the Palestine Auxiliary Territerial Services, representing the Working Women’s Council of the Histadrut, were among the other speakers at the Seder. Isaac Hamlin, national secretary of the National Committee for Labor Palestine, was toastmaster. Messages of support were received from Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt, Senators Robert F. Wagner and Irving M. Ives.