THE MACCABAEAN
EDITORIAL PAGESHERMAN B. TANNER, Managing Editor
FROM THE FIELD OF BATTLE
Dr. Lewin has spoken to American Jew- Try; he has put before it the intolerable situation of our Russian brethren; he has looked over the field that is strewn with the dead and the wounded; he reports that the situation is very gloomy and—that in Zionism lies the on!y hope of complete reeuper- ation. No one can hurl at Dr. Lewin the accusation that he is unacquainted with the conditions as they are; the only ground upon which a difference of opinion may arise relates to the interpretation of the facts conceded to be true. To be sure we do not intend to entertain the thought that Dr. Lewin’s visit will have the effect of removing all doubts as to the advisability of Zionism from the minds of those who pre-vwiously opposed the movement; it is clear beyond the power of any single individual to accomplish so arduous a task.
Here is a member of the last Russian Duma, a man who stood up valiantly for Jewish rights in that body, and one who is most intimately connected with Russian events, a clear thinker and a patriotic Jew above all, who comes to this country to talk about the unfortunate position of the Jews of Russia and finally comes to what we believe the inevitable solution—Zionism. Those who are accustomed to accept the opinions of the people who enter into academie discussions anent the various aspects of Zionism have in this instance an opportunity to resort to first-hand authoriıy. The opinion of a man of such eminence and intellectual ability as Dr. Lewin outweighs tenfold the foggy and beclouded utterances that emanate from the misty minds of professorial, rabbinical, or journalistic shining lighte. It is the oalm and oonsiderate judg-
ment of men who know the situation through actual, personal contact with it that counts and is worthy of notice. If Dr. Lewin's mission has accomplished anything it ought to bring home to American Jewry the fact that thousands, nay millions of Russian Jews are struggling with might and main to throw off the yoke of hideous oppression, to regain for themselves the right to live in their own quiet and peaceful way. To occasion this desired state of affairs, Dr. Lewin believes, we must endeavor to realize the aims of Zionism, to establish a permanent haven for those who are tired and sick of life as it is lived in Russia
A more fervid and inspired advocate of Zionism we have scarcely had the pleasure to listen to. Dr. Lewin has certainly opened the eyes of many American Jews to the true state of affairs and has surely helped to arouse the feelings of the Zionists to: a hirh vpiteh of enthusiasm.
THE NEW PHASE
The first period of purely active propaganda and agitation is over and we are now well launched upon the new era of practical Zionistie activity. The recent concessions granted by the Sultan in the matter of immigration into Palestine opens up a large vista of progressive work in Palestine. The various plans which the Palestine Commission intends to bring to friution aim at such an industrial and economic development of Palestine as will fortify the position of Jewish settlers there and make it impossible in any consideration of the future of the country to pay no heed to the Jewish claim to just treatment.
The present direction of Zionist activity towards Palestine has another signification. It means a further strengthening of the firm bond which already links the nationalist Jew to Palestine. The "Bezalel" has already become a household word among Jews everywhere; in the short period of time since its foundation it has had the wonderful effect of arousing an intense in-