National Fund Resolutions.
Mr. Perlstein, chairman, reported the following on behalf of the Committee on National Fund Resolutions:
The Committee on National Fund Resolutions has endeavored to avoid presenting any resolutions for consideration to the Convention which are in the nature of criticism or which involve only details of technical operations, and has narrowed down the suggestions and resolutions presented to it to three in number, as follows:
I. That the Federation of American Zionists in Convention assembled set aside two days for public and general collections for the National Fund, one day on Chanukah, to be known as Flag Day and the other day about Shebuoth, to be known as Flower Day, the exact dates to be subject to the decision of the Executive Committee of the Federation. (Note: These resolutions incorporate and substitute those presented by the New York conference of delegates and the Hatchiyah Society of Baltimore, Md.)
This resolution is presented for the purpose of legally assigning the two days for general collections on behalf of the National Fund. The committee recommends its adoption.
II. That the F. A. Z. in convention assembled urge upon its affiliated organizations a better observance of the instructions issued by the Jewish National Fund Bureau of America to avoid the use of children under the age of sixteen for collection purposes on Flag and Flower Days.
The committee felt the importance of calling attention to the fact that in some cities these instructions have not been observed, and unanimously recommends its adoption.
III. That the F. A. Z. in Convention assembled recommends that in every city where there exists more than one Zionist organization directly or indirectly affiliated with the Federation, all National Fund work be conducted by a joint committee, composed of representatives of all local Zionist organizations.
Resolution I. regarding the setting aside of Flag and Flower Days adopted.
A motion was made and adopted that the National Fund do not use children under sixteen years of age for collections. Discussion on the question was participated in by Messrs. Norwalk (New York), Cutler (New York), Allen “Pittsburgh), Mrs. Guggenheimer (New York).
The Chairman: The committee brings in a resolution that in every city where there are more than one organization or camp, whether of the Federation or Hadassah or Mizrachi or Poale Zion, directly or indirectly affiliated with our organization, all work in that city should be conducted by a joint committee.
Mr. Perlstein (New York) moved that in every city all work should be conducted by a joint committee except where there exists a Zionist council.
The Chairman: I want to point out that this resolution having been made here affects only those organizations that are represented at this convention.
An announcement was here made that on the previous night at the banquet the amount necessary for inscribing Prof. Schechter's name in the Golden Book as a tribute from the delegates of the 19th Convention had been raised.
Resolution III. of the N. F. Committee was adopted, with the amendment that such joint committees be formed only when no Zionist Council exists.
Mr. Rosenblatt: Yesterday in a report of the Special Palestine Committee I had occasion to mention to you the fact that we are planning for large practical work in Palestine. I am glad that this morning, on behalf of the Palestine Committee, I am able to make an announcement that may exceed in importance anything that has occurred at the convention this year, not barring even the very important discussion on the Congress yesterday morning. There was a Palestine and Achoozas conference yesterday afternoon. For quite some time the Zion Commonwealth with the Achoozas has endeavored to interest Mrs. Joseph Fels in the work of the Zion Commonwealth. We have just received word from Mrs. Fels that she is ready to work with and through the Zion Commonwealth for the establishment of a single tax colony in Palestine immediately after the war. We are not authorized to quote figures or give you
detailed facts. A special committee has been appointed to work with Mrs. Fels and Mr. Brandeis during the summer to arrange details. The important thing for us to know is that in the development of Palestine we are transforming the economic and social theories in the land of our ancestors.
Mr. Rosenblatt here read the following:
Resolutions of the Palestine Conference Committee.
That we recommend that the Provisional Zionist Committee establish a Palestine Bureau under the supervision and control of a committee of seven Zionists.
That this bureau collect all available material in regard to the possibilities for practical work in Palestine, and prepare the necessary data for projects which may be successfully undertaken, immediately upon the termination of the present war.
It shall, from time to time, set forth what activities can be profitably carried on under the circumstances, and shall give information to all persons and societies that are interested in the Jewish settlement in Palestine.
The bureau shall keep in touch with institutions and organizations doing practical work in Palestine, so as to enable us to give support to those activities which had been started before the war, as, for example, Achoozas, etc.
The burcau shall strive to awaken the Jewish people in this country to an active participation in the practical work in Palestine.
The budget for this bureau shall be provided by the Provisional Zionist Committee.
The Chairman: This is a recommendation to the P. C. for the establishment of a Palestine Bureau. In connection with this resolution, I would like to have your attention for a gentleman who has given his life to practical work in Palestine, Mr. M. Sheinkin.
Mr. Sheinkin spoke on Palestine in Yiddish. In part he said:
“No matter what the results of the war are, no matter under what suzerainity Palestine will be at the end of the war,we must and will occupy the proper place there. This will come to pass only when we demand it, when we are prepared for it. This can only be done through large colonization. We do not ask for an independent government. What we ask for is home rule, for a free, economic, cultural and national development under the rule of the government in the East. Let the predominant nations divide among themselves whatever they please, but they must grant us an honorable place in our historic home. For thousands of ycars we have not forgotten our home. During two score years we have demonstrated our creative power. We have shown to the world that we possess the strength and ability for the revival of our country. We must be allowed to develop ourselves freely, and the place we wish to develop has: fortunately remained free. The half million Arabs can peacefully remain there and live together with us on the most peaceful terms. There is no reason why the government ruling over Palestine should resent the settlement of the Jews there. No people will do so much for the development of the country than the Tews.”
The Chairman: Since the above resolution relates to work to be undertaken by the P. C. it would be advisable to refer it to the P. C.
A motion was made, seconded and carried to refer the resolutions of Mr. Rosenblatt to the P. C.
Mr. Charles A. Cowen of New York on behalf of the committee on the Emergency Fund rendered the following report:
Emergency Fund Resolutions.
First Resolution: Self-Taxation—Be it resolved that this Convention urge upon all the members of the Zionist Organization the adoption of the principle of self-taxation for the Zionist Emergency Fund, payments to be made in regular installments, all to contribute according to their means and to the best of their ability.
Second Resolution: Certificates—Be it resolved that cer- tiicates be issued in the amounts of annual contributions, which contributions may be made in installments, to be delivered to contributors to the Emergency Fund upon the