Yiddish Dailies Hail Steps to Unity in Ranks of American Zionists; “morning Journal” Says Newman Pre

Editorials in the “Jewish Morning Journal” and “Day” of last Sunday, the first by Jacob Fishman, discuss Rabbi Newman’s suggestions for peace between the Lipsky and Brandeis-Mack factions in American Zionism and the response of leaders of both factions to these suggestions.

“Meyer Weisgal’s answer to Rabbi Louis Newman’s statements in certain Anglo-Jewish weeklies is very timely,” says Mr. Fishman. “Rabbi Newman has been occupying himself during the past few years with ‘digging it in’ to Lipsky. He developed a sort of ‘Lipskophobia’—Lipsky is to blame for everything. During the past few weeks Rabbi Newman was elevated to the rabbinate of Temple Rodeph Sholom in New York, and before he has even taken over his new job, he has written a ‘rodeph sholom’ sort of article about Zionism in America.

“Indeed, that is very nice. Every one who talks now about peace and a united front in Zionism deserves thanks. It is plain silly and unfortunate to observe the spectacle that Zionists are making of themselves before the outside world at a time when we are surrounded by enemies and when unity is the first necessity.

“But there is one fault in Rabbi Newman’s article. The Rabbi of Rodeph Sholom Temple cannot forget his prejudice towards Lipsky. He relates therefore that he had a conversation with Lipsky and that he is ‘convinced’ that Lipsky bars the way for a rapprochement with the Brandeis group; in other words that he is against a united front in Zionism.

“But anon comes the energetic editor of the ‘New Palestine,’ Meyer Weisgal, who was present at the conversation and reports Lipsky’s words as follows:

“‘Find out from Judge Mack and his group what they think about your proposals. You will find that we are ready to meet them more than half way.’

“It will be interesting to see whether Rabbi Newman will deny those words, though I am convinced that Weisgal is right, since it harmonizes with the conversations on the same subject which I have had with Lipsky.

“A united front is the crying need of the moment in Zionism. All differences must be forgotten now. I am optimistic enough to believe that this can be accomplished if we will have a couple of real ‘rodephei sholom’ and not such as begin with prejudices towards this or that side, towards this or that person.

“I am convinced that within the ranks of the Zionist organization will be found no bar to a united front. Neither Lipsky nor any other member of the administration will bear in mind his person and his office. Let them try us out and see.”

The “Day” editorial is entitled “A Zionist Coalition.” Among other things it says:

“The meaning of the rumors about peace between the leaders of the Zionist Organization and the Brandeis-Mack group is not yet entirely clear. It may be that the attempt which Rabbi Newman has begun to bring together both parties is a sincere one, that is, it was undertaken at the request of one of the warring groups, and if so, it has a very practical significance. And it may also be that the step was taken simply because of a pious wish, in which case it is of much smaller significance.

“But in any event, the step alone which has been taken to create peace in the Zionist ranks in America has been needed for a long time, and will be hailed by all who are interested in a strong, influential American Zionist movement. The split in American Zionist ranks never benefitted the Zionist movement in America. The elimination of Justice Brandeis from leadership meant a very great loss of prestige and influence for Zionism in America. The exit of the Mack group after the Pittsburgh convention was also a distinct loss. The more influential elements left the Zionist ranks, the classes went away and only the masses remained.

“In order to make unity possible, there will of course be necessary many compromises on the part of both factions and many sacrifices will have to be made. But it is worth while. For the Zionist Organization in its present condition can better afford to be a patched-up organization than to be powerless.”