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Ben-gurion Backs Palestine-nazi Transfer Pact

August 28, 1935
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Because the Zionist Organization is carrying out the duties of a government, it must maintain its present attitude on the transfer of German goods to Palestine, David Ben-Gurion, Zionist labor leader and member of the World Zionist Executive, declared at a press conference yesterday.

“In dealing with international affairs concerning Jews,” he said, “the Zionist Organization is recognized as a governmental body by international authority. It must therefore act in a statesman-like manner in all matters, including the transfer of German goods to Palestine.”

Pointing out that Belgium and Russia have not severed relations with Germany despite the official attitude of both against Nazism, Ben-Gurion declared that the Zionist Organization must act similarly.

Concerning the religious demands of Mizrachi, Zalman Rubashow, vice-president of the Jewish Agency Council, emphasized that labor in Palestine desires normal and peaceful collaboration between religious and non-religious elements in Palestine. It insists, however, on the absolute freedom of one’s private life, he declared. He assured the conference that the Laborites will see that Sabbath and Jewish dietary laws are observed in labor colonies.

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