the point. They prove the reverse of what he intended. They prove that no matter what age or civilization the Jew lived in, whenever he attempted to solve the problem of Jewish misery, he invariably arrived at the same conclusion—namely, that the restoration of Israel as a people with a home of her own is Israel's only salvation. They also prove that throughout the centuries of Jewish martyrdom not one Jew ever arose to propose a remedy other than the restoration of Israel.
Another similar instance is a “strong” argument against Zionism recently advanced by a noted philanthropist and millionaire—an argument which was accompanied by a chorus of “T told you so long ago!” The argument referred to is the incompatibility of Zionism with American patriotism. To the American Jew no argument can be stronger, for he loves America. And yet even here the argument will hardly stand close scrutiny. It merely shows that the maker of the argument had lost the ability to differentiate between the rights and duties of a citizen and the historical obligations of national life. The argument is also a libel on the loyalty and sincerity of those generations, which, while hoping and yearning for Israel’s restoration, have made their patriotism to the countries that have tolerated them a part of their ethical teaching In substance the argument differs but little from the stereotyped question: “Do you really intend to leave America for Palestine?” which has ever so often been hurled at Zionists, as if the consistency or logic of Zionism depended upon the one or the other Zionist going to, or staying away from, Palestine. One who, for instance, approves of the Panama canal scheme is not necessarily expected to go to the isthmus and see “the dirt fly,” or dig
it himself. He might lack the ability or the desire to do so, but he may delight in the grandeur of the undertaking and may rejoice in anticipation of the good that the scheme would bring to the world, or at least to that part of the world which interests him most. He may contribute to it indirectly while others are able and willing to do more, but as regards their adherence to the cause they are all alike.
But while the wise men in Israel are “thrusting each other with arguments,” here and there a modest Jew is found in whom the desire to survive as a Jew is above all his other considerations and interests in life, and he is willing to do some practical work for Zion. He proceeds to Palestine and domesti- cates himself there. And as the years roll by, here and there appears a little Jewish settlement of progress and improvement, here and there an orchard is planted, here and there a village is built up, a school is established, a garden is planted. They are small things, you say, in comparison with what is expected, but "who will despise the day of small things?” Time and nature are wonderful assistants, and the mutability of historieal events offers many an opportunity to a nation that waits and watches.
O, a noble thing is prudence!And they are useful friendsWho never make beginningsBefore they see the ends.
But give me now and then a man,And I will make him king,Just to take the consequenceAnd just to do the thing!
And that is the real kernel in the Zionistic nutshell.