The Jews in the War
In publishing these items of information concerning the part of the Jewish people are playing in the great war-tragedy abroad, THE MACCABAEAN does not wish to be understood as entertaining bias with reference to any of the belligerents. THE MACCABAEAN has always taken the position that the evils of the Jewish situation are due primarily to the anomolous position of the Jewish people in having no recognized political status.—Ed.
AUSTRIA.
In view of the growing importance on questions concerning East European Jewry, a special committee has been established here for the purpose of disseminating correct information as to condition of the Jews in the districts concerned. This new body is called "Committee for Enlightenment on Eastern Jewish Questions." It has an influential membership, including the Parliamentary Deputy, Heinrich Reizes, the well known Zionist Dr. Nathan Birnbaum, Adolf Stand, Dr. J. S. Bloch, Dr. Max Brod, Rabbi Dr. Max Gruwald, Dr. W. Berkelhammer, Dr. Hermann Kadisch, and several others. The committee has already issued a manifesto explaining the need and the functions of the new organization.
ENGLAND.
The well known Zionist, Dr. Jacob Moller has fallen on the Western battle front. Dr. Moller was for a number of years associated with the Mizrachi Society. Nothwithstanding a split of the Mizrachi, he continued his activities in its interests.
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One of the Jewish military units at the front, unacquainted
with European tongues, have the following words of command, which are given to them in Hebrew:
Attention: עמוד ישר Quick March: קדימה צעדות Two Lines: לשתי שורות Right Turn: ימינה Left Turn: שמאלה About Turn: אחור סוף Salute: שלום
FRANCE.
The famous French Socialist, M. Hervé, once again defended the Jews, who have demonstrated their loyalty in every way towards the French government, against the attack made by the French Anti-Semitic organs and by some deputies as well as by the municipality of Paris, that they did not fulfill their duty towards the French government and that Russian Jewish immigrants be compelled to join the army, return to Russia, or go to the Concentration Camps.
GREECE.
According to a report received from Solonika, the Greek government is at present considering the question of calling upon the Jews to serve in the army. The Jews of Solonika have hitherto been exempt from military service. This exemption, however, will apparently not continue very long,