Zionist Leaders and Yiddish Press Voice Optimism over Peace That Has Just Been Effected in Ranks of

Optimism over the peace that was effected in American Zionist ranks at the Cleveland convention is voiced in statements issued by various Zionist leaders of this country, and in editorial comments in the Yiddish press, which are given in part below.

Jacob de Haas, one of the leaders of the Brandeis-Mack group, which has now joined a coalition administration, stated:

“The ascendancy of political Zionism established at the Z.O.A. convention will, I hope, not only bring back to the ranks thousands of Zionists who withdrew in recent years, but I feel sure it will hearten our fellow-Zionists throughout the world. Two things will surely happen immediately. Greater activities in every department of Zionist endeavor and the opening of the doors of every local organization to free discussion.”

HOPES FOR GENUINE COALITION

The Rev. Dr. Stephen S. Wise stated:

“It is to be hoped that there may be a genuine coalition, with the spirit of the foremost Jew of his age, Justice Brandeis, prominent in the policies and actions of the organization. A united front is desperately needed at a time which finds the Zionist cause imperilled from many directions. The return of the spirit of Brandeis to the movement means not only a strengthening of the inner forces of the movement in our country, but will give to American Zionism the place which it has long failed to have in the councils of the movement.”

Morris Rothenberg, one of the leaders of the Lipsky group, said:

“The moving example which Justice Brandeis set by offering his unreserved aid was followed by all parties concerned in subordinating all consideration to the need of the hour, and the action that was taken is a splendid tribute to the idealism which prevails in the Zionist movement. In the same spirit of mutual helpfulness, I revised my own intention of withdrawing from participation in the governing body of the Z.O.A. for the coming year, and have entered the united administration which I shall whole-heartedly serve.”

MARKS ZIONIST RENAISSANCE

Mrs. Robert Szold, national president of Hadassah, declared:

“This convention marks a renaissance of the Zionist movement in America. A new vitality, new energies, greater support and influence, and an awakened interest in Zionism among all Jews—qualities that can issue only from the most complete inner harmony—are sure to follow upon this historic peace. Speaking for the women Zionists of this country, the 50,000 members of Hadassah, we are happy to have taken part in this epochal event and to have on the new Zionist administrative committee of eighteen members Mrs. Edward Jacobs, one of the most able leaders of Hadassah and of the Zionist movement in America.”

The New York “Day” of Thursday says editorially:

“Let us hope that this devotion to the Zionist ideal which animated both groups and which led to the long-sought-for coalition in Cleveland, will continue in the future too, and will serve as the inspiration for other great deeds. It would be a pity if both parties in Zionism, having met in Cleveland, should again part company in New York. What is necessary more than anything else today is a permanent peace, and not a temporary armistice.

“We know the difficulties and the obstacles in the way of such a permanent peace. Differences of temperament, of idealogy, of training, of social intercourse. These were the chief factors which led to the split of nine years ago. But nine years of experience, nine years of quarreling, should teach us something. And what it should teach us is that both group together mean much, while each group separately is not sufficient.”

WAY FOR UNITED LEADERSHIP EASIER

Jacob Fishman says in Thursday’s “Jewish Morning Journal”:

“The way for a united leadership in World Zionism has been made much easier through the coalition of both parties in Cleveland. As a matter of fact Justice Brandeis has recently been conferring with Weizmann, Lord Melchett and Pinchas Rutenberg. This cooperation should be much strengthened now that the former Brandeis-Mack group stands officially at the helm of the Zionist Organization of America.”