I am aware of all these difficulties, and still I maintain that the cause of real Zionism will be greatly forwarded if we consider that we must have agricultural Zionists as pioneers in Palestine, if we want to build upon firm soil.
By agricultural Zionists I do not mean Zionists that can talk agriculture, but those who are willing to earn their living in the sweat of their brows, by tilling our ancestral, sacred soil.
The Federation of American Zionists, in connection with the Palestine Commission, should induce some American-Jewish farmers with real Zionistic tendencies to sell their farms here and settle in Palestine, after having secured favorable conditions for them there.
I met a Palestinian recently who told me that near Jerusalem there exists a small settlement of Jewish farmers. They raise vegetables and grapes, and make wine (being too far from the wine cellars of Rishon l'Zion), and sell their products to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. I do not see why a good many of such settlements could not be set up in Palestine.
The success of an agricultural settlement (even of a very small one) of Jewish American farmers in Palestine will serve as a powerful incentive for others to follow in their footsteps. These practical results will in turn react upon the Jews in America, and will give Zionism a mighty impetus forward.
In conclusion, I may say that I am rather in favor, in lieu of Dr. Lewin's scheme, of the suggestion to make one decided effort to increase, perceptibly, some one fund, and that is, in my opinion, the National Fund, which will enable us to carry out the idea I have just outlined.
I. O. REIS.
SUPPORT THE MACCABAEAN:
An honest difference of opinion exists amongst the various Zionist Societies as to the most practical method of spreading Zionism. We all have the interests of the movement at heart, but, unfortunately,
many of us remain in a state of indecision, which serves only to retard our activity.
There is one point, however, on which al agree, and that is to stimulate the national spirit among Jews in America, to increase the number of Zionists here, we must aim at the very hearts of our fellow-Jews, to arouse Jewish self-respect, and impress upon the Jew the necessity of a united effort to establish a national government to ensure ourselves, and those who live after us, the privilege of exerting nature’s best gifts, as a God-fearing people, in +ha Intaraste nf hnmanitv.
How to create Zionists amongst non-Zionists is the question of the hour, and our thoughts turn naturally to the organ of Zionism. THE MACCABAEAN.
In its columns may be found data as to what has been thus far accomplished, the progress we are making, argument after argument favoring the cause, in fact, everything that we could possibly say, if brought face to face with those whose co-operation we seek, methodically placed before the Jewish masses. Its influence enters the very heart of the whole family, and it helps to keep our enthusiasm. Knowing, as we do, with what eagerness we await each new issue, we can about imagine the impression it will create on others.
I consider that the most practical method of securing new membership for our various associations is to secure as many MacocA- BAEAN readers as possible, and a hearty co-operation with this most worthy effort for Zionism wou!d mean much for the movement in America.
I suggest that each society devise ways and means to bring the paper before a selected list of persons, whose membership it desires, and send application blanks with an invitation to join the organization. If your committees on membership will adopt this plan, I believe you will be much gratified with the results, and an inestimable service will have been rendered to the general movement, as well.