hilla is the result of an unofficial Zionist agitation, aiming at the democratization of the theretofore unrepresentative American Jewish committee; and, at the same time, at arousing the sense of communal independence of the Jews in New York City. The executive of the Kehilla has its proportionate number of Zionist delegates, and so has its advisory committee. That being the case, every American Zionist known to us has given his unqualified support to the Kehilla, and has no reason for being dissatisfied with giving that body a vote of confidence. As Zionists, we are interested more in the introduction of the national principle in Jewish life here, that in the actual results. We know that before the money- giving leaders of Jewry can be pursuaded to countenance the Zionist movement, they must first be forced to see its value as an active force in Jewish life, when once the doors of the inner sanctum are opened to the suffrages of the people.
As a Zionist, therefore, “S.B.” should have first gotten his bearings in this strange topsy-turvy New World before gratuitously offering to speak for the Zionists of America. As a member of the old Kadimah, he should have realized the value of discipline in Zionist tactics.
Nor would it have harmed had "S.B." stated the facts only. It is not a fact that the Kehilla is doing nothing; it is doing as much as it can, considering the effort it must make to secure the support of this large Jewish community, which is one ever claimed it actually had when its first convention met. Its constitution is, all in all, at least in principle, as good as any Zionist could have expected, believing as he must in representative government. The principles adopted could not have been out-and-out Zionistic, because the majority of Jews in New York are not Zionists. But the Kehilla has tackled the problem of Hebrew education; it has been active in immigration matters; it has already a grasp on the question of the schechita, which must be
the basis of any good communal organization of Jews; and it is prepared to do a great deal of work in many directions. As every representative body, it rests upon the will of the people; let the people bestir themselves; the Kehilla will not be found wanting.
From a nationalist point of view, all these activities, directly religious or not, are not negligible. Every element of Jewish life, based upon normal conditions and earnestness of purpose, organized for the strengthening of the ties that bind Jews together, is essential and worthy of further strengthening.
Die Welt might do well to scrutinize a little more carefully reports coming to it from American sources; or, at least, to exercise a little discretion in the matter.
COMMUNICATIONS
ORGANIZATION DIFFICULTIES.
A Discussion OF A VEXATIOUS PROBLEM.
To THE MACCABAEAN:
We need not dwell much on the present situation of Zionism in New York City, comments on this topic are so profuse, that another word would be but a drop in the overflown stream. This, though it does not take shape in magazine articles, has been much discussed in debate and open discussion, that its condition is pretty well known. I want simply to suggest a remedy, if any is apparent.
But for the purpose of emphasizing my remarks, some very suggestive points will be here recapitulated.
To start wtih, let us say, regarding its present situation, that Zionism has taken a very decided step backward, at least with regard to affairs in this city. We see its pillars of strength gone, with a large gap in their absence. We refer to the organizations, that gave force and impetus to its bubbling activity, a couple of years