The students of Wycliffe Hall, one of the Theological Colleges of Oxford University, who were in Palestine during the anti-Jewish outbreaks of August 1929, and distinguished themselves in joining in the defence of the Jewish population of Jerusalem against the Arab aggressors, are again spending their vacation in Jerusalem, and today Colonel Kisch, the retiring head of the Palestine Zionist Executive, gave a reception in their honour. Among those present were Dr. Arlosoroff, who yesterday took over Colonel Kisch’s political duties, and Dr. Berkson, the head of the Education Department of the Zionist Executive.
The Council of Wycliffe Hall decided in December that the Summer Vacation should again be spent in Egypt and Palestine.
Wycliffe Hall, which is one of the three Anglican Theological Halls for graduates at Oxford and represents the Evangelical wing of the Church of England, has visited Egypt and Palestine twice before during the last four years, and has carried out there its usual programme of lectures and tutorials. During the last visit, in August 1929, these studies were interrupted by the disturbances in Palestine, and the members of the Hall were enrolled as Special Constables to help to maintain peace. The High Commissioner, Sir John Chancellor, subsequently wrote to them: “If Palestine has given you less than you had hoped of her, you have bestowed upon Palestine most timely services, which will not be forgotten.”
The Jewish Community of Jerusalem and other Jewish bodies sent cables of gratitude to the authorities of Wycliffe Hall in September 1929, expressing “appreciation of the gallant action of the 40 Wycliffe Hall students who had risked their lives in defending the Holy City together with the Jewish youth.”
On their return to England in September, 1929, the Wycliffe Hall students, with their Principal, Rev. Graham Brown, attended service at St. Paul’s Church, Onslow Square, London, where thanks giving services were offered up for their safe delivery.
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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.
