Agreement on Formation of Jewish Agency is Signed by Dr. Weizmann and Louis Marshall Dr. Weizmann So

Non-Partisan Experts Commission to Study Palestine Resources and Prepare Program for Next Ten Years: Formal Establishment of Jewish Agency to Follow Commission’s Report; Finance and Budget Matters to be Worked Out by Commission; Marshall and Weizmann’s Exchange of Letters Ends Recent Controversy Between Zionists and United Jewish Campaign Leaders; Both Causes Suffered Because of Lack of Harmony, Weizmann Says; Praises J. D. C Work in Palestine; Palestine Priority Question, Center of Controversy, Taken Up by Dr. Weizmann; “Let Differences of Past Sink into Oblivion,” Is Marshall’s Reply; Judge Otto A. Rosalsky Chosen Chairman of New York Campaign; Lipsky and Wise Welcome Arrival of New Era in Palestine Upbuilding Work; Citizens’ Committee Instrumental in Bringing About Accord; Over $500,000 Raised Toward N. Y. $2,500,000 Quotz

A formal agreement concerning the creation of the Jewish Agency, in accordance with the provisions of the Palestine Mandate of the League of Nations to Great Britain and the decision of the Fourteenth Zionist Congress to include Zionist and non-Zionist members, was concluded between Louis Marshall, representing the American non-Zionists, and Dr. Chaim Weizmann, representing the World Zionist Organization.

An American non-partisan experts’ commission will proceed to Palestine, probably around Passover, to make a thorough survey of the situation there and submit a report and recommendations, which will serve as a basis of activities for the forthcoming Jewish Agency. An interim report is expected to be prepared by the commission by next fall. The Agency will be formed when the Commission’s report is submitted.

A complete reorganization of the work now in progress to rebuild the Jewish national home in Palestine will ensue on the basis of these recommendations.

UNITY RESTORED

Unity in American Jewry was restored and the controversy which recently raged between the leaders of the United Jewish Campaign and the Zionist Organization of America has come to a close.

These were the dramatic developments announced Monday night at the inauguration of the United Palestine Appeal in New York City for $2,500,000, the largest quota ever assigned to Greater New York for a Palestine fund. These announcements were made on the occasion of the installation of Judge Otto A. Rosalsky as the chairman of the New York United Palestine Appeal. Subscriptions totalling $500,250 were reported at the meeting, which was held in Mecca Temple.

The announcement, which was termed an event of great significance in the history of the Zionist movement and the Jewish community in the United States, was the result of a series of negotiations conducted by Dr. Chaim Weizmann since his arrival in the United States three months ago. The full significance of the results achieved were summarized in a joint statement of Louis Marshall and Dr. Chaim Weizmann, read to the audience by the president of the World Zionist Organization. The statement, which was preceded by an exchange of letters between the two leaders, was termed “a treaty of peace” by Judge Rosalsky, who presided over the meeting, which was attended by 2,500 persons. This new course of the Zionist movement, which opens the door for the participation of all Jews, Zionists and non-Zionists, in the task of upbuilding Palestine, was endorsed by Louis Lipsky, president of the Zionist Organization of America, and Dr. Stephen S. Wise, honorary chairman of the United Palestine Appeal and president of theAmerican Jewish Congress, in addresses which they delivered at the meeting.

Some difficulties had to be overcome earlier in the day before the accord between the Zionists and non-Zionists could be finally effected. The difficulty presented itself in that part of the text of the letters which dealt with the recent controversy between the Zionists and non-Zionists on the subject of Russian colonization as a feature of the American Jewish relief work abroad. It was rumored, although no official statement was issued to that effect, that several hours before the meeting at Mecca Temple, a meeting of the United Palestine Appeal Executive Committee was in session for several hours to discuss this feature of the situation. It is understood that several of the leaders of American Zionism objected to certain expressions of Dr. Weizmann concerning the controversy. However, the text of Dr. Weizmann’s letter was finally endorsed by the Committee.

Although no official statement was issued to that effect, the “Jewish Daily Bulletin” learns that a great part in bringing about this accord was performed by a committee, consisting of Samuel C. Lamport, Judge Rosalsky, Dr. M. M. Kaplan, Bernard Semel and Samuel Rothenberg of the Brooklyn Jewish Center. This committee acted as mediator between the Zionists and the non-Zionist group.

TEXT OF JOINT STATEMENT

The text of the joint statement of Mr. Marshall and Dr. Weizmann is as follows:

“To All Concerned in the Jewish Agency of Palestine:

“Recent negotiations between the Zionist Organization and the representatives of the Non-Partisan Conference to Consider Palestinian Problems, regarding the Jewish Agency, have now reached such a stage that it is deemed advisable to make known the results of the deliberations.

“It will be recalled that at the Non-Partisan Conference on Palestine Problems held at the Hotel Astor in the City of New York on February 17, 1924, the following resolutions were adopted:

“‘Whereas, the Palestine Mandate of the League of Nations provides in Article IV that the Zionist Organization shall secure the cooperation of all Jews in carrying out the terms of the Mandate, and whereas the Zionist Organization has proposed that non-Zionists become members of the Jewish Agency.

“‘Be it resolved, that the Chairman appoint a committee of seven with power to coopt others to study the subject of the Jewish Agency, and, if practicable, to formulate an appropriate plan whereby American Jews can associate themselves in such Agency, and to confer with the Zionist Organization, and that such committee be empowered to confer with the Zionist Organization and other bodies to work out such plan for the effectuation of the object in view, and be it further.

“‘Resolved, that the committee report its conclusions to a reconvened session of this Conference, or by such other method as may be deemed appropriate.’

“At a subsequent Conference held on March 1, 1925, to receive the reports of the sub-committees appointed at the Conference held in February, 1924, the following resolutions were adopted:

“‘Whereas, by Article 132 of the Treaty of Peace signed at Sevres on August 10, 1920, Turkey renounced, in favor of the Allied Powers, all rights and title over Paiestine, and in accordance with Article 95 of the Treaty, it was agreed to entrust the administration of Palestine to Great Britain as the Mandatory responsible for putting into effect the Balfour Declaration, recognition having been given in the Treaty to the historical connection of the Jewish people with Palestine; and

“Whereas, in accordance with Article 4 of the Palestine Mandate subsequently issued by the League of Nations, provision has been made for the recognition of an appropriate Jewish Agency as a public body for the purpose of advising and cooperating with the Administration of Palestine in such economic, social and other matters as may affect the establishment of a Jewish National Home and the interests of the Jewish population in Palestine and subject always to the control of the Administration to assist and take part in the development of the country and the Zionist Organization was recognized as such Agency, with directions to take stens, in consultation with the Mandatory Government, to secure the cooperation of all Jews who are willing to assist in the establishment of the Jewish National Home; and

“‘Whereas, in accordance with Article 4 of the Palestine Mandate the Zionist Organization has heretofore proposed the establishment of an enlarged Jewish Agency in which adequate representation shall be given to non-Zionists to participate with the Zionist Organization in the privileges and responsibilities of the Jewish Agency, and thereupon on February 17, 1924, at a Non-Partisan Conference of American Jews convened in the City of New York it was concluded to be desirable that an appropriate plan be formulated whereby American Jewry might become a part of the Jewish Agency, and a committee was designated to confer with the Zionist Organization and other bodies for the purpose of effectuating this object and in the meantime the principal Jewish communities of Europe, through representative organizations, have taken steps looking to the accomplishment of the same end; and

“‘Whereas, the non-Partisan Conference has now reconvened to receive the report of its Committee, which has been submitted and fully considered.

“‘Be it Resolved, First: That the Report of the Committee and its several recommendations be, and the same are in principle accepted and approved.

“‘Second: That in order to carry out the plan embodied in such report this Conference appoint an Organization Committee to consist of twelve members who are not members of the Zionist Organization but who are to act in cooperation with the Zionist Organization, for the purpose of bringing about full participation of American Jewry in the Jewish Agency, and that such committee be instructed to proceed with its activities in accordance with the following directions:

“‘(a) That it shall proceed to bring about the creation and recognition of a Jewish Agency pursuant to the Mandate which shall consist of a Council and of an Executive Committee in both of which bodies there shall be non-Zionist representatives of responsible American Jewish organizations in ratio hereinafter specified;

“‘(b) That on the Council of the Jewish Agency to be formed, 50% of the membership shall be selected by the World Zionist Organization, and 50% by non-Zionist bodies willing in the spirit of the Mandate to cooperate actively in the Jewish Agency;

“‘(c) That of the non-Zionist members of the Council of the Jewish Agency, 40 per cent shall be representative of American Jewry, exclusive of such American representatives as may be selected by the Zionist Organizations;

“‘(d) That 50 per cent of such Executive Committee as may be selected to administer the affairs of the Jewish Agency, shall be appointed by the World Zionist Organization, and 50 per cent shall be appointed by the Council composed of the non-Zionist bodies participating in the responsibilities of the Jewish Agency:

“‘(e) That the right of the members of the Council and in the Executive Committee of the Jewish Agency to vote by proxy shall be recognized.

“‘Third: That upon the receipt of the acceptances by a majority of those chosen for membership in the Council representing non-Zionist bodies, of their designation as such members, an assembly of the American members of the Council of Jewish Agency shall be summoned by the Organizing Committee appointed by this Conference.

“‘Fourth: That due consideration be given at such assembly to the desirability of making the Keren Hayesod (Palestine Foundation Fund) an instrumentality of the Jewish Agency in respect to such financial matters as properly come within the jurisdiction of the Agency and the unification of the various public and philanthropic efforts as distinguished from economic undertakings, directed to the upbuilding of Palestine.’

“For reasons which it is not necessary to consider, the plans set forth in these resolutions have not as yet been carried into operation, principally because it was found necessary as the first step to obtain detailed information as to the facts and problems with which the Agency is to deal, and not because of any doubt as to the importance of the fulfilment of the purpose to establish the Agency.

“During the past two months a series of conferences has been held for the purpose of agreeing upon an effective method of procedure. After careful discussion the participants in these conferences have unanimously agreed in principle as to the desirability and feasibility of organizing, the Jewish Agency in accordance with the terms of the Palestine Mandate as formulated by the Council of the League of Nations on July 24, 1922, and along the general lines of the resolutions adopted by the Zionist Congress at Vienna in August, 1925.

“In order to provide a comprehensive program for the Jewish Agency, it was believed that as a preliminary measure, which in any event would have to be adopted before the Agency could properly function, a Commission should be appointed to make a thorough survey and investigation of conditions in Palestine, including an expert study of the resources and of the agricultural, industrial, commercial and other economic possibilities of Palestine and neighboring territory, and to acquire a complete conceptus of Jewish activities and achievements in the Holy Land. Such Commission should investigate the practicability of acquiring available tracts of land and the various aspects of immigration, of colonization and of the development of the country. It should be charged with the duty of making recommendations concerning the creation of a system of activities which would correspond with the reasonable requirements of the land, and as to a practicable plan for conducting the finances and preparing the necessary budgets called for by such activities. This Commission should be of a non-partisan character and should consist of men whose conclusions would be recognized as authoritative, with whom would be associated experts of high rank in agriculture, industry, commerce and finance. It is anticipated that this Commission would be called upon to spend a considerable period of time in Palestine in order that the conclusions reached shall be based upon a thorough, first-hand study of conditions, in the hope that its findings shall be accepted as conclusive by all concerned. Immediately upon the rendition of such report the formal establishment of the Jewish Agency would follow.

“We are confident that it is only by pursuing this method that the Jewish Agency can be made an effective instrumentality for the building of a Jewish National Home in Palestine.

“If the new venture is to have permanent value, the different processes of adjustment, of unification and of gaining practical experience must be made operative. These are the essentials of organic growth and development We are confident that by this procedure a union of all Jewish forces for the upbuilding of Palestine will in due course become a practical reality and redound as a blessing to the entire house of Israel.”

The statement is dated New York, January 17, 1927.

Dr. Weizmann, following the reading of the statement, declared:

“I wish first of all to express my deep sense of gratitude to the Zionist leaders of this country, to Dr. Wise, Lipsky and Neumann, who have shouldered a superhuman burden and have rendered invaluable service.

“When the Balfour Declaration was given to the Zionist Organization, it was given as the instrument of all Jewry. The Zionist leaders of America have acquitted themselves of this task admirably. You have my gratitude and loyal support. No matter how great may have been the wounds, united we stand; divided we fall.”

COMMISSION TO REPORT IN FALL

Dr. Weizmann then announced that the non-partisan experts’ Comission may leave for Palestine about Passover and expressed his belief that a preliminary report will in all likelihood be ready by next fall. “This commission, which will work out the plan of realizing the Jewish National Home, will outline the work for the next five or ten years. The Commission will not be charged with the task of deciding whether or not the Jewish National Home is to be built, but inquiring how it is to be built. This should be a matter of scientific study, of as thorough investigation as is humanly possible. As long as Palestine is not flooded by the Mediterranean we will build it. There were two things which had to be proven: first that Palestine could be built; secondly, that it could be built by Jews. This has been proven. The question that calls for more light now is how it is to be done in the next five or ten years which are the years that matter.”

Dr. Weizmann then expressed his appreciation of the cooperation he received from the representatives of the United States Government in the formation of the Commission and expressed his confidence that this work will be met in the same spirit by the British Government. He also expressed the hope that the Commission will be received in a cordial and sympathetic spirit by the Palestinian population. “The decision which we have made tonight will bring a message of new hope and new life to a Palestine suffering today,” Dr. Weizmann declared.

Dr. Wise, who followed Dr. Weizmann, declared:

“Anti-Zionism is an escape from Judaism. Zionism is a return to maximum Judaism. Zionism is the collective reply to anti-Semitism.

“The Agency has become a fact. We are on the way to the realization of this plan. I was the officiating Rabbi at the Boston conference when the first announcement concerning the Jewish Agency was made. Tonight we receive a promise of the dowry.

“Heartfelt as was the recent celebration of the seventieth birthday of Louis Marshall, whose years have been full of devoted and effective service to Israel at home and abroad, no celebration can be as significant and memorable as Louis Marshall’s part in the drafting of an instrument which means more than a cessation of hostilities or the beginning of peace,–an instrument which points to the beginning of a new era in Jewish life in relation to the support of our precious cause. And we hope and trust that he will devote the next twenty years to this task,” Dr. Wise said.

Mr. Lipsky, who introduced Judge Rosalsky, referred to the new developments, stating:

“This meeting will be memorable, we anticipate, for a variety of reasons. First, because of the quota fixed and accepted–the Iargest for Palestine purposes ever imposed and grappled with by the largest Jewish community in the world. Second, because we look forward to addresses to be delivered here which will register the fact already apparent to those close to Zionist events–that the Palestine enterprise and American Zionism have moved into calmer seas.

LIPSKY ON NEW PEACE

“Where do storms come from? They are the result of differences of opinion as to what temperature shall prevail at a given point. This difference first creates a ripple, then a breeze which turns into a wind, the wind into a hurricane until, out of the clash and turmoil, an even temperature is again reestablished and the equilibrium is restored. The even temperature has been restored, the waters have been quieted, by the growing power and significance of Palestine, by the deeper realization of the great need of Jewish cooperation in all the concerns of Jewish life. The drain upon Jewish strength which Palestine demands, is appreciated now by all interested in its progress. The expanding recognition of the place Paiestine is destined to occupy, has quelled the turbulent waters of controversy. The storm has passed; and balance has been restored. We are glad to say that we rise to a higher plane. We are not to be broken any longer into contending fragments; today tugging at tomorrow, battling for place; Diaspora jostling Zion; the parts overshadowing the whole. We emerge on a platform of affirmations, of a program of practical work, and upon this plane, it seems, all active forces in American Jewish life are to stand united,” he said.

“Pushing aside recrimination, forgetful of wounds suffered in controversy, the past relegated to the rear, thinking exclusively of the future–it is our privilege to announce, as an indication of the new spirit that prevails, the assumption of the chairmanship of the United Palestine Appeal for Greater New York by Judge Otto Rosalsky, distinguished as jurist and as communal leader who, in his person, represents the denominator of the present situation. I need not speak of the exalted place Judge Rosalsky occupiets in the active life of this great Jewish community. Every worthy cause affecting Jewish interests had had his active support. For thirty years his sagacious counsel has been sought for the solution of many a communal problem. He has given of his eloquence, of his judicial and practical experience, to every activity for the welfare of our people Under his leadership, this Palestine campaign will, for the first time–owing to the constellation that governs the situation–make possible a cooperation of all Jewish forces in Greater New York; and echoes of what has been achieved here will be heard throughout the length and breadth of the land.

“It is fitting that Judge Rosalsky be asked to assume the duties of his office without further delay. It is a duty, a privilege and an honor to present Judge Rosalsky as the Chairman of this historic meeting.” Mr. Lipsky concluded. Judge Rosalsky said:

“I come here this evening as a messenger of peace. During the upbuilding of Palestine in the ancient days there were two forces, the builders who were on the inside of the gates of Palestine and the onlookers on the outside. The great labor was discharged by our forebears who in one hand held the spear, or the sword or the bow, and with the other they laid the brick. They evinced great courage and devotion to the cause, but whenever peace did not reign among our people, disaster followed. Whenever the Jews were united, success followed and Israel was glorified. We hope that from this gathering this evening there will come forth a message to American Jewry that a treaty of peace has been signed by two of the greatest Jews in Jewry–Dr. Chaim Weizmann and Mr. Louis Marshall. We hope that from this meeting there will come forth a note to American Jewry that the time has now arrived when every Jew must do everything in his power to strengthen the holy land and must resist every effort to weaken the strength which we have now gained in Palestine,” he declared.

“It makes no difference by what label the Jew attaches himself to the work, but the result of tonight’s meeting, in my humble judgment, will not any longer afford an opportunity on the part of any Jew to withhold his support and his cooperation spiritually, morally and financially, to the upbuilding and rehabilitation of the Holy Land. You men and women of the Zionist Organization of America have given a great evidence of your loyalty, of your sympathy and of your devotion on behalf of the great cause of Zion. You have never faltered nor hesitated, but amidst trials and tribulations you have stood steadfast, and I wish to take this opportunity to express to you my appreciation of your great devotion to this great cause.

“Tonight it is not my purpose to speak at length, appreciating as I must the function of presiding officer, but in passing let me remind this audience that when Israel was divided, it failed. When Israel was united it always succeeded. The platform of Zionism is the platform which the great prophet Ezekiel built for the Jews many centuries ago. To this platform I subscribe. Though I have driven you to the four corners of the world, etc.’ Ezekiel’s platform permits the conservative, the reform, the ultra-reform and the orthodox Jewry to stand upon that platform to help in the upbuilding of Palestine economically and financially and industrially.

“It is my further prayer that we shall now interest the business men of New York, who for some reason which I need not explain, have failed to appear on the roster of the Zionist Organization of America. As I was reading the editorial of ‘The New Palestine’ last night, I noticed that the editor made this observation: ‘Every year we approach the task of winning the largest Jewish community in the world with trepidation and anxiety.’ The treaty of peace which I have in view will dispel these misgivings. New York Jewry will march triumphantly to raise this $2,500,000. The wise statesmanship, the sagacity and the profound thought and the action of the greatest Jew in the world, Dr. Chaim Weizmann, is responsible for my presence here this evening. And he was met in the same spirit by America’s great leader, Mr. Louis Marshall, in the presentation of his reply to this memorable communication.

“This will indeed be an historic evening. I realize what it means to be chairman of a campaign to raise millions. I am not a novice. As my good friend Mr. Lipsky said, for thirty years I have been engaged in picking the pockets of our Jews in a lawful way and I assure you that I propose to engage in that kind of work with greater fervor than ever before. There will be no punishment for such an offense, but he who contributes through us to the rebuilding of the ancient land, will clarify himself,” Judge Rosalsky said.

Morris Rothenberg, chairman of the Board of Directors of the Keren Hayesod, described the work that has so far been accomplished in Palestine.

Rabbi Jacob Levinson spoke on behalf of the Mizrachi.

Judge Rosalsky read a letter from Sir Esme Howard, British Ambassador to the United States, who offered his wishes for success to the United Palestine Appeal and the work of the Jews in Palestine.

Commander J. M. Kenworthy, member of the British House of Commons, recounted the experiences of his last two month’s visit to Palestine. Referring to the recent report of Dr. Pritchett of the Carnegie Foundation, Commander Kenworthy charged that it contained evidences of misapprehension of the facts.

Judge William M. Lewis, national chairman of the United Palestine Appeal, who was the last speaker of the meeting, declared that New York Jewry was being watched by the Jews of America and that the success of the Appeal in the metropolis was certain to have an effect on the countrywide work for Palestine.

Cantor Mordccai Hershman contributed two vocal selections to the program of the evening.

WEIZMANN-MARSHALL EXCHANGE OF LETTERS ENDS CONTROVERSY

“Let the differences of the past sink into oblivion!”

With these words Louis Marshall brought to a close the recent controversy between Zionists and non-Zionists which arose last year in connection with the Russian colonization work as a feature of the United Jewish Campaign and which threatened for a time to create difficulties for the completion of the negotiations to establish the Jewish Agency.

The exchange of letters between Dr. Chaim Weizmann and Mr. Marshall cleared up the difficulties and-paved the way for the new course which was announced at the inauguration of the New York United Palestine Appeal campaign at Mecca Temple on Monday night.

URGES AMICABLE COOPERATION

The question of the priority of Palestine, subscribed to by many Zionists, was touched upon by Dr. Weizmann, who, in his letter, reviewed the development of the attitude of the various sections of the Zionist movement toward the Russian colonization plan and the attitude of the leaders of American Zionism in the campaigns of last year.

“We must endeavor to cooperate amicably with our non-Zionist brethren who do not concede the priority of the claims of Palestine over those of our brethren who live in other countries whether the help given to them be of a palliative or of a constructive nature, or whether it involve the settlement upon the land of those who desire that opportunity,” Dr. Weizmann declared in his letter in which he traced the entire situation dating back to his conversation with David A. Brown in Paris in May 1925.

“Speaking for my associates and myself, I convey to you with profound satisfaction, our acceptance of the pro-ferred olive branch,” Mr. Marshall stated in his reply to Dr. Weizmann.

Dr. Weizmann’s letter, dated January 17, read:

“Since my return to America, I have learned, to my regret, that those who have carried the burden for the relief of suffering Jewry in all parts of Europe through the offices of the United Jewish Campaign, are resentful of the attitude that certain Zionists have adopted towards this great humanitarian effort, and therefore take this occasion to make clear to you my position in this matter.

“In May, 1925, I received a cablegram from David A. Brown, who later became National Chairman of the United Jewish Campaign, asking me to meet him in Paris for a discussion of the proposed campaign in America. Mr. Brown had just made a trip around the world, in which he had rendered considerable service to the cause of Palestine; had visited Palestine and had just come out of Russia. I was anvous to discuss conditions with him and we met in Paris. At this time we had a very frank discussion as to the situation of the Jews as he saw it in Europe and the great need for immediate help. And while I fully agreed with him that a relief effort of large magnitude was necessary I voiced some misgivings as to the work planned to be done in Russia.

“But we were both in agreement during the whole of that conference that the work for Palestine must go on in larger measure than ever before, recognizing that at the same time the work of relief for those Jews who were suffering no matter in what lands they were, was of the greatest importance. We were satisfied that the Jews of America had been so blessed that they not only could but would gladly carry the full responsibility both for the relief of their suffering brethren in all parts of the world and for the development of Palestine. But unfortunately unexpected difficulties arose.

“‘Those in charge of Zionist activities assumed, first, that the colonization work in Russia was a competitive movement as against Palestine. They also felt that a great relief campaign in America might neutralize Zionist efforts and result in their failure to obtain the necessary funds for Palestine. Realising as they did that Palestine needed more resources at that time than ever before, they were apprehensive of any movement which might interefere with the work of upbuilding Palestine.

“On the other hand, those in charge of the activities of the United Jewish Campaign and the Joint Distribution Committee very naturally focused their interest on the problems presented by Eastern Europe, stressing the great need which existed in all parts of that region for immediate relief. They, therefore, resented an attitude which they looked upon as hampering them in their campaign.

“The result, as I see it, has been that both these great causes have suffered, for had there been harmony, had there been a clearer understanding, had the controversy respecting the United Jewish Campaign never taken place, I truly believe that a larger amount of money would have flowed into the treasuries of both these great organizations.

“The Joint Distribution Committee has during its whole existence shown a sincere interest in Palestine. At no time during its history has it ever failed to recognize the needs of Palestine and I believe I am correct in saying that of the sixty-two millions of dollars raised previous to the United Jewish Campaign over seven millions of dollars were spent in Palestine. I understand that out of the proceeds of this recent campaign approximately two million dollars have been appropriated for Palestine and while this money cannot be used to meet requirements of the Zionist budget, yet it is to be used in the upbuilding of Palestine.

“I have travelled throughout America over a period of years and have met various types of Jews. I can, therefore, vouch for the abiding interest in the welfare of Jewry the world over on the part of those who have been engaged in the work of the United Jewish Campaign. To be sure there are differences of opinion among us. We do not always fully agree. There are many who have been unwilling to subscribe to the possibilities and hopes which we have for Palestine. Yet I have always respected their viewpoint and have hoped that the time might come when all the Jews of this great land–whether they be Zionist or non-Zionist–could be helpful and participate in Palestinian development.

“Although we Zionists have consecrated ourselves to the task of rebuilding and remaking Palestine, I am urging upon all Zionists the importance of realizing that every Jew has the right to his own opinion as to what is needful for the good of Jewry. We must endeavor to cooperate amicably with our non-Zionist brethren who do not concede the priority of the claims of Palestine over those of our brethren who live in other countries whether the help given to them be of a palliative or of a constructive nature, of whether it involve the settlement upon the land of those who desire that opportunity.

“May I at the same time presume to entreat most earnestly those thousands upon thousands of men and women throughout all of this vast country who, for more than a decade, have willingly carried the burdens and obligations that have come to them through the frightful conditions in which the Jews of Eastern Europe have found themselves during and since the war, that they forget past unpleasantnesses, and bear in mind that regardless of differences of opinion we are all Jews, bound together by historic ties and with responsibility for the future Our most imperative need just now is for ‘Sholom’–peace among all the forces of American Jewry, in order to achieve such unity as will advance the highest interests of all-Israel here and everywhere.”

Mr. Marshall’s letter of the same datestated:

“It is with sincere appreciation that I have received your letter of the 13th instant, with its message of friendship and its appeal for peace and unity in the household of Israel. Having striven for a lifetime to maintain those ideals, your words have struck a sympathetic chord in my heart, as they have in the hearts of those with whom I have long been associated in common endeavor.

“We have fondly believed that a lasting spirit of harmony and mutual understanding and confidence had been stimulated among the Jews of America, as a direct consequence of their efforts to rescue their suffering brethren abroad from the misfortunates that have overwhelmed them. It was for that reason that we were deeply pained by the conditions mentioned by you, which have existed during the greater part of the past eighteen months and which have threatened serious impairment to those outstanding causes cherished by all of us.

“Entire agreement among thinking men is, of course, impossible. But it is not only possible, but of vital importance, that whatever differences may exist among them, respect should be shown for one another’s opinions, amity should prevail, and above all the right to act in accordance with one’s conscientious convictions should be conceded. Frank and courteous discussion is always desirable, but to indulge in bitter partisanship unfailingly bars cooperation.

“You have accurately diagnosed the situation and have approached the solution of the manifold difficulties encountered with that just, tactful and searching method and with that mental poise, fairness and reasonableness so characteristic of you, and which to so eminent a degree qualify you to be a peacemaker and a constructive leader of men.

“Speaking for my associates and myself, I convey to you with profound satisfaction, our acceptance of the pro-ferred olive branch. In your act we perceive convincing proof that strife has ceased in the ranks of American Jewry. Let us once more cultivate and practice the virtues of that peace upon which, as remarked by our sages, the world is built, and it may be added, upon which the preservation of Jews and Judaism depends. With restored fellowship we may be enabled to demonstrate to friend and foe alike that with unity as the very essence of our lives and thoughts, we shall continue to make significant contributions to civilization and culture and to the welfare of mankind.”