Palestine will be the scene of increased violence and bloodshed unless its doors are opened to the survivors of European Jewry, Dr. Abba Hillel Silver, president of the Zionist Organization of America, cabled President Truman today. Dr. Silver urged the President to insist on his original request that 100,000 refugees be immediately permitted to enter the Holy Land.
“I stood today at the graves of eight men and women who were killed and I visited the many wounded in the hospital,” Dr. Silver said. “They were peaceful, completely unarmed members of agricultural settlements who were attacked by police and an arcred division of British troops although they didn’t fire a shot or use any violence. These are the most recent victims of military attacks on defenseless men and women whose sole crime is their determination to shelter refugees who are coming to this country in defiance of Great Britain’s lawless resolve to keep them out.
“There will be increasing violence and bloodshed unless the doors of refuge are opened. You can help avert a frightful tragedy if you insist upon your original request that 100,000 refugees be permitted to enter the country immediately. The joint committee of inquiry to which you have agreed is no substitute and is only fenning the flames in the Holy Land. I feel morally obligated to bring these facts to your attention.”
A memorandum demanding the immediate release of the men arrested during last Monday’s disturbances was sent today to the Palestine Government by the joint council of Sharon settlements, which includes the communities attacked. The memorandum described the difficulties being encountered by the settlements because of the labor shortage caused by the arrests and casualties. Indemnities for the damages suffered by the settlements were also demanded in the memorandum which protested against the searches, during which, it alleged, some valuables were stolen, and the desecration of a cemetery by British troops during the battle.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
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.
