The full text of the memorandum presented to King Hussein at Shuna by the “Agudath Israel,” and which has aroused much discussion in Zionist and Palestinian circles, some claiming that it has done harm to the Zionist cause, reads as follows:
“Your Majesty! We have the honor to appear before you as representatives of the World Orthodox Organization ‘Agudath Israel’ and the Jerusalem Orthodox Community, the ‘Vaad Hair of the Ashkonazim,’ which stands together with the ‘Agudath Israel’ in all its aims.
‘On behalf of that Organization and that Community we have the honor to welcome the appearance of Your Majesty on the borders of the Holy Land. May the King of Kings increase your throne, and may justice flourish in your days for all your subjects.
“‘Agudath Israel’ is an organization of orthodox Jews all over the world, composed of one million members, and it may express the feelings of even more orthodox Jews who are not yet organized but have the same purpose – to preserve the ancient form of Israel and the Torah in its pureness and holiness and settle in the spirit of the Torah all problems arising in Jewish life.
“‘Agudath Israel’ is independent as regards any other organization. The great conference, which took place last Elul at Vienna and in which delegates of orthodox Jewry, the big men of Torah and heads of the Jewish people from all countries participated, declared publicly that no other organization can speak on its behalf, or on behalf of the entire Jewish people. We are, therefore, certain that when an expression of opinion, regarding the whole Jewish people, reaches Your Majesty, you will kindly give the representatives of the ‘Agudath Israel’ the occasion to appear before you as representatives of the orthodox Jewry.
“We assure Your Majesty that the Jews regard with brotherly feelings their neighbors in all countries and also in the Holy Land for whose prosperity we pray daily. This attitude we desire to continue, and to work with all inhabitants for the restoration and prosperity of this country, the center of the aims of the Jewry, for the benefit of all its races.
“We also express our hope that Your Majesty will use your great influence in favor of all Jews living in the Arab countries. May the Lord bless Your Majesty and your dear sons and family and may Your Majesty see the happiness of your people, in your and our days. Yudea may be redeemed and Israel rest in security, Amen.”
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.
