and especially the one less acquainted with the true Jewish spirit, gives up its pretence of monopoly and hegemony and concedes to the other to have at least as much wisdom and judgment to attend to its own spiritual needs and also the ability to prepare for its own future, much of the unnecessary bitterness imported into the fight will, I hope, disappear. We shall no longer hear of those absurd arguments which had hitherto to do duty in defending an impossible position. For Zionism is the old hope of Judaism which has helped and carried Judaism triumphantly through the ages, and it is applied now to the cure of an almost as old an illness as the remedy, but is now to be put to the test for the first time in a practical manner.
Not that one dreams Zionism could or would remove 'anti-Semitism. It will cure the patient of that illness; it will make Jews indifferent to its attacks, immune against its ravages. If it cannot stamp out the plague, it will at any rate heal Judaism.
We who believe in the words of the Prophets, we hold to the tenets of old, we look to a time of greatness for Judaism, when it will again be able to exercise a salutary influence upon the destinies of mankind, when it will prepare a better future to the toiling millions than all the other imitations have been able to offer. We are fully convinced that sooner or latter Zionism will be a reality and Judaism truly free.
M. GASTER.
Theodor Herzl
I
'TIS not because Kings to their throne Have beckon'd thee and honor shown; 'Tis not because of this I lay Upon thy brow this laurel bay. But that thy prescient soul designed A larger plan, and illumined A people's hopes with starlike ray, Harbinger of a brighter day— 'Tis for this on thy brow I lay This Garland wreath of laurel bay.
II
A s erstwhile in Israel's fold The prophet-bards and seers of old In rushing wind and awful flame God's own mysterious message came, So to thee the inspired call Has come to look upon the thrall Of thy brethren and lead once more A homeless race to Jordan's shore, And sow the seed of a field again That will ripe and yield its harvest reign.