The Shekel Appeal
TO ALL ZIONISTS AND SYMPATHIZERS:
Now that the ninth Zionist Congress has passed into history and we have had time to consider it from various points of view, one fact stands out very clearly. No matter what may be the judgment of the Zionists themselves, the Congress has undoubtedly proven a sad disappointment to the enemies of Zionism who have recently been proclaiming that the movement had lost its vitality.
Not only were the evil prophecies not fulfilled; but, in spite of the fact that the ninth congress was called at an unfavorable time of the year and under certain adverse conditions, the attendance, the inttrest in the discussions, and the practical results were equal to those of any previous year.
One of the facts established by the debates in the Congress was that the opportunities for Zionistic work in and out of Palestine are now better than they have ever been, and that the principal reason why many of these opportunities have not been utilized is the failure on the part of those who call themselves Zionists to lend their practical support to the Central organization of the movement.
Athough in several of the larger countries the Shekel collections were greater this year than in previous years, yet it must be admitted that even the best Shekel collections of the past have fallen far short of the success that might have been expected.
The Shekel has been instituted both for the material support of the movement and as a test of its moral strength. The Shekel contribution is required not only of organized Zionists but also of the far larger number of sympathizers who, for various reasons, can not or will not become members of the societies. It is therefore the sacred duty of everyone who believes in the ultimate triumph of Zionism to provide himself with a Shekel and to see to it that his friends and neighbors are so provided, both for the immediate good
that his contribution will do, as well as for the encouragement that it will lend to the leaders and supporters of the movement.
There is every reason to believe that with a concentrated and properly directed effort it will be possible to make a Shekel collection in this country on a much larger scale than ever attempted before. As the first step in this direction the Federation of Amrican Zionists has set aside the Sunday following Purim, March 27th, as a special Shekel day for America. The purpose of this appeal is to secure the cooperation of a large number of men and women who will volunteer, as their contribution to the Zionist cause, to set aside the 27th of March, for the sale of Shekolim from house to house in the various districts which will be assigned to them. As the time is short and there are numerous arrangements to be made in order that the work may be carried on smoothly and successfully, it is urgently requested that all of those who intend to volunteer their services shall so inform the Secretary of the Federation without delay. Every society and every individual volunteer will be provided with a sufficient number of Shekel receipts. Each collector will be given an assignment of territory, official credentials and full instructions.
While it is hoped that all volunteers will be able to give the entire day of March 27th to this work, the Federation will also be pleased to hear from those who can devote some other day or only part of a day.
After the collection has been completed there will be published a booklet containing the names of volunteers, and the records of those who have achieved the best results. Copies will be given to every volunteer and the list will be otherwise widely published. This will constitute a Roll of Honor, in which it will be a rare privilege for a Zionist to be included.
This, fellow-Zionists, is an outline of our plan. If you will give it your enthusiastic support it is easy to foresee what a wonderful Zionist demonstration it will become. It depends entirely upon your co-operation. Now let your responses be heard.