World Press Digest

The London Observer, commenting on the challenge to the Bible now voiced in Germany, says:

The Bible may be less diligently read—and its contents less familiar—today than in the past, but there are many indications of the keen interest in what is proving more and more to be the most remarkable book in the world. Moreover, present conditions are bringing it to the front in an unexpected manner.

Not only anti-Semitism, and a certain indifference or hostility to the Old Testament, or the whole Bible, or to religion itself, but also active religious or political movements involving particular interpretations—or misinterpretations — of the Bible combine to make its future a matter of deep concern to all who recognize the part it has played in the past. Consequently, anything that seriously affects the varying opinions we have of it must be seriously taken.

ASKS MORE PALESTINE TRADE FOR BRITAIN

The Financial News of London, commenting on Palestine imports, expresses dissatisfaction with the fact that England occupies a much lesser place in export to Palestine than other countries. The paper says:

Particularly notable among the wide range of imports are cotton piece-goods, silk tissues, and industrial machinery, indicative of the increased requirements of the constantly growing population, and wood and timber, cement, iron pipes and tubes, and bars, angles and rods, illustrating the amount of building that is going on in the country. As the influx of Jewish immigrants and capital is likely to continue for a long time to come, it follows that the development of the import trade is likely to become more pronounced as time passes.

There is no question that Palestine is today one of the most promising outlets for British manufactures, but while for the six months in question the United Kingdom headed the list of countries from which Palestine draws its supplies with $7,000,000, it is apparent that we are not making the headway in the market that might reasonably be expected. The United Kingdom, it must be emphasized, is the chief market for Palestine produce, and is likely to remain so, and we are therefore entitled to look, in my opinion, for a much greater proportion of the imports than is represented.

DESCRIBES AIMS OF NEW JEWISH COUNCILS

Notes and Jews, a publication of the Bureau of Jewish Social Research, reporting on the establishment of Jewish Community Councils, says:

Following in the wake of Federations and Welfare Funds, there has emerged in recent years a new form of Jewish community organization — the Jewish Community Council — which deserves further attention and study.

In the cities where councils are functioning, they reached various degrees of development. Practically all councils aim to provide a platform upon which all elements can unite for some common good. As a rule they concern themselves with problems of import to the Jewish community which had been previously dealt with by independent groups. In some communities the councils also sponsor Welfare Fund campaigns for local and non-local causes not included in Federation or Chest budgets. In a general way the councils encompass areas of need not generally covered by Federation.

Although still in the development stage, the councils present certain characteristics in their organizational structure. The basic unit of the council is not the individual contributor or the beneficiary agency, but the organized group. It is generally made of representatives of synagogues, fraternal organizations, cultural and recreation agencies, philanthropic associations and similar agencies. The council, in other cords, aims to be a union of the organized forces in the Jewish community.

LONDON TIMES REPORTS ON ‘NORDIC’ CREED

The London Sunday Times reports from Berlin on the rise of the national “Nordic” religion:

Much uneasiness has been aroused lately in certain circles by news of continued accessions of strength to the movement led by Dr. Artur Dinter, which is working for the establishment of a national “Nordic” religion above all differences of creed.

It is understood that 2,000,000 people throughout the Reich have now rallied to this new religious leader.

Dr. Dinter, who has had a chequered career as chemist, schoolmaster, theatrical director, officer, novelist and Nazi politician, is a man of whom much may be heard in the future.

In 1929 his religious views brought him into conflict with Herr Hitler, who was then anxious to do nothing which might offend the Catholic Church. Today he is more dangerous, for Herr Himmler, the head of the secret police; Dr. Goebbels, Minister of Propaganda, and Herr Rosenberg, cultural director, are all understood to sympathize with his aims.

GLASGOW PAPER ASKS ARAB-JEWISH AMITY

The Glasgow Mail, commenting on Jewish-Arab relations, states:

Arabs in neighboring countries look with envy upon the prosperity of their brethren in Palestine. In Transjordan, where the famine is so severe that the Arab inhabitants often sell sheep and horses to buy bread, many Arab groups have invited the Zionists to commence colonization there, and so rejuvenate the land.

It is to be hoped that political agitation and racial prejudices will not be allowed to endanger the peace and goodwill between Jews and Arabs, which their common economic interests are bound to ensure.