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Achimeier Ends Fast on Plea That Judaism Forbids Suicide

May 23, 1934
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Following urgent representations made by Rabbi A. I. HaCohen Kook, Chief Rabbi of Palestine, to Aba Achimeier, Revisionist theorist on a hunger strike because of the refusal of police to release him on bail, the Revisionist announced that he had broken his fast.

Rabbi Kook urged Achimeier to end his hunger strike on the ground that the Jewish faith forbade suicide. Achimeier was transferred to the Acre jail late yesterday and the Chief Rabbi’s message was telephoned to him there.

The attorney defending Achimeier spoke to him in the Acre jail this morning. Achimeier was permitted to answer the telephone and informed the lawyer that he had acted entirely in deference to the wishes of the Chief Rabbi.

Palestine police officials, who were visited yesterday by a Revisionist delegation, informed the group that Achimeier had refused food, but that he had taken liquids. An official communique substantiating this statement was issued today signed by Roy G. B. Spicer, commander of the Palestine police.

Police officials added that Achimeier was under medical supervision during the four days of his hunger strike and that at no time was his temperature lower than normal.

Rabbi Kook has asked the police authorities to grant him permission to visit Achimeier in the Acre jail in order to establish the state of his health, which has been reported as being bad.

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