Jewish Nationalism and American Patriotism
The following paper was read before the Jewish Nationalist Club, of New York, on Feb. 23, and provoked a discussion of some significance. The discussion was participated in by Adolph J. Grubman, Samuel Joseph, Joseph Barondess, A. S. Friedus, Bernard G. Richards, L. S. Posner, and David Doninger.
One of the strong points raised against Zionism and Jewish Nationalism—for the purposes of this argument both are identi- eal— is the eharge that Zionism is incompatible with American Patriotism. It is an argument acquired from anti-Seini- tism. It has reached its most persistent expression in the United States, though it has not been expressed with such clearness and thoroughness as one might expeet from its advocates. But not a week passes but that some dyed-in-the-wool American Jew elutches the American flag with frenzy, explodes at every mention of the modern abomination, Zionism, and defies it to rob him of his American eitizenship.
It is true that their fear is the fear of the naturalized citizen, who must establish a reputation among his neighbors, but as Zionism becomes more real, it does appear, in spite of the crude expression of the antagonism, that there is more in it than an angry statement on the one side and a scoffing denial on the other.
In order to acquire a proper conception of the problem of double patriotism, it is necessary to rid ourselves of the idea that all patriotism is chauvinism, and therefore contemptible. The chauvinist is a patriot with national fever. Let us assume, however, that we mean by patrotism that rational devotion to the life, the laws, the ideals of a nation, which imbue one with self-sacrifice and love, which makes one feel that his future is dependent upon the welfare of his country. An American is one whose greatest concern is the proper
administration of democratic law in the United States, the development of American art and literature, the welfare and prosperity of the American people, the establishment of a healthy morality among the people of which he is a part, etc. Though his thoughts may wander to foreign countries—he may have foreign private interests—he conceives of himself, his posterity, as part and parcel of the American nation, and its future and welfare are, according to the intensity of his citizenship, his great concern. He may be interested in German literature, but only with a view to using it as a stimu.ant to the American youth ın their study of American literature, and as an aid in its development. He may admire French art, but only as a means of edifying or elevating his own compatriots. He may even be interested in Palestinian exploration, but only for its influence on the religion or knowledge of his fellow- eitizens. His art learning he wil! use to build an art museum ın Milwaukee, or his dramatic knowledge for a municipal theatre in Chieago.
In other words, whatever altruistic or public spirit may be, in him, it is dedicated to his own people; his roots are in the land, and he hopes that his branches may ever remain free under the same flag. He may bewail or criticise the decadence or incompetence of his people, but with a view to their improvement.
The question is, is Zionism compatible with that sort of patriotism or devotion to country? By compatible I mean, can both be pursued by the same citizen.
Zionism, too, must be stripped of its ambiguous meanings. It must be taken in its highest, its most developed form. It is not sentimental or racial altruism, religion, the love of the romantic —or as some Jews assert, a pride in helping to make Jewish history—but it is that effort of a scattered people, with diversified cultures, manners,