Dr. Chaim Weizmann, Head of Zionist Organization Praised by Rabbi Loeb for His Activities and Leadership in Rebuilding Palestine for ‘Scattered Nation’

Julius T. Loeb, “Dr. Chaim Weizmann, Head of Zionist Organization Praised by Rabbi Loeb for His Activities and Leadership in Rebuilding Palestine for ‘Scattered Nation,’” Washington Post (Washington, DC), May 20, 1928.

Dr. Chaim Weizmann, Head of Zionist Organization Praised by Rabbi Loeb for His Activities and Leadership in Rebuilding Palestine for “Scattered Nation.” Redemption of Land Declared Fulfillment of Predictions of Prophets.

    To the Editor of The Post—Sir: A chieftain visited in this, our National Capital. A leader in a cause than which there is no greater cause. Dr. Chaim Weizmann, president of the World Zionist Organization, has been here in the interest of New Jerusalem and of the “scattered nation.”

    This great ruler in Israel has no army, nor navy, nor any other physical force to back him and his people, yet, he is sustained by a far stronger power than technical ingenuity can afford. There is an all-prevailing sentiment and universal public sympathy toward the cause in which he is embarked—the rebuilding of Zion, the reestablishment of the land which is cherished and revered by all civilized mankind; a “House of Prayer to all nations.”

    Jew, Christian and Moslem alike are involved in the matter. Thinking people of all sections and creeds are gradually being reconciled to the thought of the redemption of Zion amid the outstanding miracles of the age; are eagerly awaiting the results of this wonderful movement; are anxiously looking forward toward a speedy realization of Israel’s old hope, in literal fulfillment of predictions by the inspired prophets of yore. 

    Behold ancient Judea rising out of its dust of antiquity, making its bow before the civilized world and taking its place amid the family of nations! Fifty-two nations have thus sanctioned the New Jerusalem project in becoming signatories to the Palestine Mandate guaranteeing the right of the Jewish National Homeland under the suzerainty of Great Britian.

    The process of rehabilitation of the Holy Land; the restoration of its ancient ruins; the transformation of its barren soil into beautiful garden spots, woodlands and green fields, inhabited by man and beast, and repeopled with the children of Zion—all of this is a most wonderful manifestation before the eyes of the world. What nineteen centuries of human progress were unable to accomplish, this one single Zionist movement of but a comparatively few years has brought about.

    “Is a land born in one day? Is a nation brought forth at one time? Is a nation brought forth at one time? Yet, Zion hath travailed and brought forth her children.” (Isaiah lxvi:8.)

    The whole scheme is so unique, so peculiarly touching and interesting that it can not fail to commend itself to the attention of reasoning humanity. Even the most callous and skeptical persons of this modern age are impelled to pause and ponder at the wonderful phenomenon.

    For the Jewish people the New Zionland spells salvation. It is destined to resuscitate its life, its destiny, its culture, its lore and idealism, and will serve as an impetus toward the attainment of a higher and nobler civilization. 

    To the world as a whole it promises an ideal commonwealth, based in an international guarantee of human right and freedom, and tending toward universal peace. It is undoubtedly the first experiment of the kind, wherein a mutual agreement by all worldly nations is brought into being for the achievement of that great end which the ancient prophets have foretold. The New Zion State is apt to bring about a solution to many a problem of social and political import which none of the constituted forms of government were able to solve. 

    The most notable statesmen and masterminds of today are agreed upon the fact that the great collective experiment of labor and colonization in Palestine is of supreme interest to the world. Emil Vandervelde, the leading Belgian statesman and laborite, gives his impressions of the Jewish upbuilding force, which he had recently witnessed, and declares that the results achieved are of immense benefit which even the Belgian workers have not yet attained. He praises the Jewish workers for their policy of friendship toward the Arab workers, who are thus helped in their process of emancipation.

    Mr. Vandervelde further states that “Zionism, with its upbuilding work and its fraternal tendencies toward the Arabs and other sections of the population, is an important factor toward international peace. The Jewish labor federation in Palestine may soon become a bridge between the western and eastern workers, but not in the manner of the Bolsheviks, who exploit the awakening nations. There is no contradiction, between Zionism and European democracy.”

    That there is some difficulty in the ranks of Zionists today is but natural. An enterprise of such stupendous magnitude will involve certain complications and diversity of opinion as to methods and ways of administration. It is quite an easy job to find fault with others, to detect mistakes, especially with those who are doing constructive work on a grand scale for the public good. But the scathing criticism upon Dr. Weizmann and the Zionist administration work is positively unwarranted.

    Mistakes and failings in the new Palestine experiment are largely outweighed by the laudable achievements and benefits accrued to the land and the people restored. Just think of the tremendous task on hand: the seemingly insurmountable barriers that had to be overcome in pursuit of the Palestine progress. Consider the delicate political and social conditions in Palestine and surrounding territory, which must be handled with proper care and diplomacy. And above all, the strenuous effort at fostering peace between the Jewish settlers and Palestinian Arabs, which purpose was successfully accomplished, since there is no more of that of antagonism and friction that agitated the land but a few years ago. It is now generally conceded that whatever is done and accomplished in Palestine is for the best interests of all residents of the land without discrimination.

    Likewise, it was not small task to cope with the crisis in Palestine of the last three years. The crisis was occasioned by a rapid influx of Jewish immigrants from many lands, with no means of a livelihood, nor any provision for their employment or support. This crisis, according to the latest reports, is now at an end. Dr. Weizmann says there are no jobless people in Palestine today. The 8,000 unemployed have been given various jobs and the land is about ready to absorb and receive more immigrant Jews. Especially so in view of the newer developments in Palestine, the immediate prospects of construction work at the Haifa seaport by the Palestine government, the Rutenberg electrification scheme and the spread of manufacturing industries along with the agricultural activities.

    The British government moves slowly in its plans for extensive improvements in Palestine, Dr. Weizmann declares, for it is bound to exercise care and caution in its endeavor to satisfy the demands of all sections and creeds under its domain.

    Dr. Weizmann made a profound impression upon his hearers at the Washington Hotel last Tuesday night by his clear and comprehensive statement anent the Palestine situation:

    “No one need get impatient with either, the Palestine government or the Zionist administration,” Dr. Weizmann declared, “if we view alright, without bias or prejudice, the marvelous changes that ensued in New Palestine during the past decades. As if by a magic wand a waste desert land, covered with dry rocks, sand dunes and pestiferous marshes, has been turned into a habitable, healthful and happy homeland for the Jewish people.”

    There is not the slightest doubt but that, in spite of a few dissenting voices, Dr. Weizmann will receive a vote of confidence by the vast majority of the Jewish people in America and the European states. All loyal Zionists are heartily in accord with the policies pursued by Dr. Weizmann, who is truly regarded the man of the hour. He has behind him the strength and support of the classes and masses of Jewry the world over. He is destined to lead and conquer in peace.

    J. T. Loeb,

    Rabbi of the Ohev Sholom Synagogue.

    Washington, May 20.