Soskin Plan, Reducing Colonization Cost, Put into Operation

(Jewish Telegraphic Agency)

The Soskin plan, the plan of intensive colonization in Palestine, an important departure determined upon by the Fourteenth Zionist Congress in Vienna with a special view toward the settlement of the middle class immigration on the land, has been put into operation in Palestine.

An area of 2,500 dunam in the Kabarrah region, near the Zichron Jacob railway station, was allotted by the Pica, the Palestine branch of the Jewish Colonization Association, for the first colony which is to be built on the principles of the Soskin plan. The Soskin plan differs from the Ruppin colonization plan, in operation in Palestine up to the present, in that it is based on the principle of intensive colonization and reduces the settling cost of each family.

Preparations for the commencement of work in this colony have been started and it is expected that this will lay the foundation for the colonization of the middle class immigration.

The colony is to be an experimental model for the entire middle class colonization. Agricultural experts are studying the possibilities of growing vegetables, fruits, and gardening of all sorts. Dr. Heinitz Oppenheimer, the son of Professor Franz Oppenheimer, is in charge of a special tree school which has for its purpose the raising of fruit trees for later distribution among the colonies, to plant bananas, olives, dates, vines and shade trees. The experimental vegetable garden is directed by Dr. Kahn, well known botanic specialist. Schools to train instructors for directing the Soskin plan colonies will be established in the experimental colony. Poultry farming will be started in the summer with 15,000 hens.

The Soskin plan will also be furthered in the colonies Magdiel and B’nai Brak, the settlement of Chassidic Jews from Poland. Loans for this purpose are being guaranteed by the Keren Hayesod on contracts with the middle class settlements for three year credits.

The Soskin settlements are to be comprised of 250 settlers, each investing £400. The Keren Hayesod is expected to contribute £32,000 toward each settlement. It is expected that similar contracts between the Keren Hayesod and other middle class settlements will shortly be concluded including the Chassidic settlers.