Widespread sorrow was expressed today by all Jewish Palestine over the death in Vienna of Chaim Nachman Bialik, noted Hebrew poet. All Jewish institutions are closed today in nationwide mourning. Black flags are flying everywhere in Palestine.
Tel Aviv, all-Jewish city in which the poet made his home for the last ten years and in which he was a familiar figure on the street and at every event of Jewish importance, was stunned by the news of Bialik’s sudden and unexpected death.
A moving tribute to the Hebrew poet was paid this afternoon at a packed meeting in the courtyard of the new Jewish Agency building. Dr. Shmarya Levin, veteran Zionist leader, who delivered the chief memorial address, spoke as the oldest friend of the poet.
Thousands of Jewish school children mourned the death of Bialik, who was their great hero.
Informed of the death of Bialik, High Commissioner Sir Arthur Grenfell Wauchope, in a statement issued to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, declared: “I wish to express my deep sympathy over the bereavement suffered by the Jewish people in the untimely death of Bialik, the eminent Hebrew poet whose genius so largely contributed to the revival of Hebrew in modern times.”
According to plans formulated today, the poet will be buried near the grave of Achad Haam, noted Hebrew thinker, who is buried in Tel Aviv. It was learned today that Bialik bequeathed his home on Bialik street to the community on the death of his wife.
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.
