The Maccabæan
EDITORIAL PAGES
D R. Felsenthal's birthday, which occurred on the 2nd of January, was universally remembered by the Jewish communities of this country. In our issue of December, we wrote briefly of Dr. Felsenthal's life. In connection with the name "Baruch," which we prefixed to his family name, Dr. Felsenthal writes us: "My first name by which I have been called during all my life time by parents, friends and acquaintances, is Bernhard. The name ברוך or rather אריה ברוך, is my so called Synagogue name, my שם קודש, by which I am called up to the Torah, etc. To my friends in general, however, this name ברוך or אריה ברוך is not known at all."
THE movement our Cincinnati contemporary terms a fad, and whose adherents it alludes to as Zionites, is of such importance that the active world sees nothing in Jewry worthy of attention but this one phase of Jewish activity. Is it because the religious reform the ‘‘ American Israelite’’ represents is weakening for lack of sustaining power; or is it because the world sees in Zionism the one movement which is serious enough to be considered? The reform movement is short-sighted, and for this reason : it has not had the courage to eliminate the national features of the Jewish religion, and yet has opposed every movement which has endeavored to preserve Jewish national feeling. It has characterized every attempt to revive the Jewisn nation as inconsistent with Jewish religion; but it has not seen the necessity of establishing a pure theistic religion, which Judaism is, if curtailed of its national accretions.
Mr. Zangwill as Advocate
THE essays and addresses contributed by Israel Zangwill to the Zionist propaganda recently have aroused the world of thought to the claims of the Zionist movement, to an extent hitherto unprecedented. These addresses and essays, taken in connection
with the Basle Congress, concluded a few days ago, have made Zionism the topic of discussion in the press and pulpit of the world. And it must be admitted that Mr. Zangwill's enthusiastic efforts have established him in the world's esteem as a practical man of affairs.
For no mere dream of Zionist ideals was thetheme of his discourses. They bristled with facts.They scintillated with shrewd and brilliant observations on matters of industrial economy.They were admirable specimens of forensic pleading for the realization of the practical aims ofZionism, which means the upbuilding of a material state in Palestine, a state based on commerceand industry, a state based on free, willing andpatriotic citizens, a state working for the realization of the very best in Jewish character.
Whether one believes in spiritual Zionism or material Zionism, in Herzlian or Chovevi Zionism, the aim is the same : The Restoration of Palestine.
Mr. Zangwill did not advocate agriculture as the sole panacea for the complicated economic condition of Palestine. He did not wish to turn back the hands of the clock; he did not pine for bucolic peace and contentment, which at present is impossible for any people. He would have the Jews in Palestine enter the fields of commerce and industry, fully aware of the fierceness of the struggle. Too long has the Jew been a city-dweller for him to become a farmer by mere paternal ipse dixit.
Mr. Zangwill showed that Palestine is the center ofthe commercial old world. It is the converging point of all roadways and the natural commercial highway. The development of Eastern countries in recent years places Palestine in a peculiarly advantageous position. And letthe reader note the prediction, appearing elsewhere, that the interests of the nations in the East will necessitate the establishment of a neutral country in Palestine. The diplomatic interests in Palestine Mr. Zangwill treated in an admirable manner.
But the finest part of his pleas for the restoration of Palestine was his denunciation of philanthropic Zionism, which by paternal pauperization would force the Jews into agriculture. He wanted no subsidizing by organizations with surfeited treasuries and pet theories to air. He would rather appeal to the Jewish people at large for support and ask it to be the parent to those homeless Jews who will be compelled to accept the refuge to be offered by Palestine.
Nor did Mr. Zangwill slight spiritual Zionism