A dramatic effort to establish a working unity between Palestine farmers and the Zionist Organization was made at this afternoon’s session of the Jewish Farmers’ association convention by Dr. Chaim Weizmann, president of the World Zionist Organization. The convention opened here this morning.
Appealing for the farmers’ support of Zionist institutions, Dr. Weizmann declared “we are facing serious political strife and we need the unity not only of all sections of the Jewish people but also of the Palestine Jewish community.”
Dr. Weizmann then proposed that a committee be appointed to settle whatever misunderstandings exist between the farmers and the Zionist Organization.
Mr. Moshe Smilansky, president of the J.F.A., replied to this offer as follows:
“I am your greatest admirer and follower in the outer political line, but in inner politics I am your greatest opponent. Unity is possibly only when hearts are free of hatred, when no monopoly is exercised by one group. Show us by your actions that you are ready for it, then we will be ready for unity.”
In reply, Dr. Weizmann stated that, after hearing Mr. Smilansky, he was convinced of the urgent necessity for unity. Declaring that “where there’s a will there’s a way,” Dr. Weizmann reiterated his appeal for unity and pleaded that his “outstretched hand” be not spurned.
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