The convocation speech of Dr. Judah L. Magnes, chancellor of the Hebrew University, at the opening of the winter session, in which he advocated a rapprochement with the Arabs, has been received by Jerusalem Jewry with mixed feelings. Although a rumored strike of protest by the students at the University did not materialize, disapproval was expressed of Dr. Magnes’s attitude that the Jews should initiate steps leading to a rapprochement with the Arabs, despite the occurrence of the outbreaks. Today, in Hugo Bergmann’s class, there was a disturbance when the students walked out in protest against the professor’s and Dr. Magnes’s attitudes.
Dr. Bergman, a leading member of the Brith Shalom, a society for the promotion of peace between Jews and Arabs, and favorable to Dr. Magnes’s plan, has published articles in the Palestinian press saying that the population must first be Palestinian and then Jews and Arabs, and arguing that the Jews have no right to demand special consideration from the government because they pay the most taxes.
The “Doar Hayom” today contains a report of the convocation address, approves the hecklers of Dr. Magnes, and continues its energetic attack on the Chancellor of the Hebrew University and the Brith Shalom Society. The labor daily, “Davar,” took no notice of the Magnes address. The labor group is seriously considering the future Arab policy and the question of a legislative assembly, but is still un-
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decided on its stand. Labor is unwilling to take an open stand on Magnes’s attitude at the present time, because it believes the time is not yet ripe, but it is anxious not to appear reactionary.
There are a significant number of important Zionists in various groups and parties who agree with the principles set forth by Magnes, but deplore his speech at this time. They declare that he should have awaited the report of the Inquiry Commission before discussing future policies.
Asked regarding a rumor current in Jerusalem that he would shortly leave Palestine because of illness, Dr. Magnes stated that it was absolutely untrue. He said he was in perfect health. He had been invited to come to London, but had refused the invitation. He plans to remain in Jerusalem indefinitely.
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