Hadassah, work out a comprehensive course of study and syllabus, publish the Young Judaean regularly besides several plays and songs; gather the material for a primer on Zionism; hold several successful social gatherings, besides taking care of some two hundred clubs and councils throughout the whole country, is the best
evidence of the energy and loyalty of the few workers within our ranks. They have done their share. The Jewish public and the Zionists in particular must come forward with the small sum of money that is necessary to carry on the Young Judaea work, and to meet the growing demand for its services.
ZIONIST ORIGINS
The following is the third and last of a series of articles tracing briefly the rise of Modern Zionism
. It is true that the new movement met opposition not only from the reformed but also from the ultra-orthodox. Not only was it considered a violation of the law against hastening the period of redemption by Jewish colonization in Palestine; but the orthodox entertained the popular belief that the redemption would come only through the direct intervention of God, and be attended by great supernatural events. Rabbi Kalischer explained the Zionist point of view, and attempted to reconcile the old belief and the new. His arguments do not differ materially from those made by many Zionists to-day. He declared vehemently that the salvation promised by the Prophets would come only gradually and by self-help on the part of the Jews, and that the colonization of Palestine was to be continually encouraged.
The barbarous persecutions of the Russian government following the accession of Alexander III to the throne, proved an opportune time for persuading the Jewish inhabitants of Russia to take up their home in Palestine. The savage murder and confiscation of Jewish life and property in the Southern provinces proved all hopes for emancipation to be futile. The enactment of the May Laws of 1882, made the Jews real-
ize more than ever their hopeless position among the nations. No mercy was to be looked for from Russia. Even those who had gone so far as to profess Christianity found themselves disillusioned in their dreams for the acquisition of worldly goods and culture. Assimilation implied not only the consent of those who wished to be assimilated. The apostates found themselves repulsed and spurned by those whom they sought to imitate. Many of them came back to the fold, and lent their co-operation in a regeneration of a national Judaism on Jewish soil. Again Israel realized its abject position in the world. The present was seen to be portentous of a bitter future; and renationalization in Palestine was seen to be the only solution. The historic nationality of the Jews reasserted itself, and the impulse turned toward Zionism. Crushed in spirit, their hearts bleeding from the calumny showered upon them, many Jewish young men tore themselves from the European gymnasiums and universities and immigrated to Palestine, to take possession of their ancient birthright. The establishment of the colony Gederah, followed by numerous others, resulted. So was given another impetus to the restoration of homeless Israel to the land of its fathers.