Search JTA's historical archive dating back to 1923

Calls for Definition of Jewish National Home from Zionists

December 17, 1929
See Original Daily Bulletin From This Date
Advertisement

The “American Hebrew,” in its issue of last week comments on an editorial which appeared in a recent issue of “The New Palestine” official organ of the Zionist Organization of America, in which it was stated that “the Zionist Organization exists to arouse interest in the rebuilding of Palestine as the Jewish National Homeland, with the second of that triad of words predominant. Zionism is Jewish nationalism ; Zionism stresses the importance of reconstituting the Jewish people in Palestine as a political entity.”

Referring to that statement, the “American Hebrew” says:

“This is diametrically opposed to that for which Dr. Magnes pleads, namely that ‘the Jews must renounce all ideas of political domination and the Arabs must recognize Jewish rights in Palestine. Dr. Magnes likewise said, ‘Palestine can never be a Jewish national home. It will always be an international home for Jews, Christians and Arabs alike.’

“Therefore, while we witness here plain talk on both sides of the controversy, it would help immensely toward clear thinking if ‘The New Palestine would define the phrase ‘Jewish National Homeland’ as authoritative Zionist spokesmen interpret it in the light of the Balfour Declaration and the White Paper of 1922. Defining of terms and cool, intellectual approach will bring us somewhere to the basis on which a solution may be found.”

Recommended from JTA

Advertisement