tri-partisan commission, has become 2 partisan commission, and little good may be expected from it in the way of a fair presentation of the problems of distribution. The Zionist representative is Mr. Senior Abel, well-known among all Zionists as a capable, conscientious, fair-minded man, whose judgments may be relied upon. The socialist representative is Mr. Jacob Panken, who has no record in Jewish affairs, and is known only as a socialist stump-speaker and active in internal Jewish socialist affairs. The representative of the Central Committee is Rabbi Abramowitz, of St. Louis, an able man, learned in Jewish law, but wholly unacquainted with European conditions. In addition, Dr. Boris Bogen, of Cincinnati, and Jacob Billikoff, of Kansas City, are members of the commission, with a right to vote, although when they were selected by the American Jewish Relief Committee, and their naming was approved, no one knew that they were to be given a vote. Dr. Magnes is the chairman, but he acts as representative of the American Jewish Relief Committee. His appointment does not inspire confidence in the fairness of method to be employed by the commission. Whatever Dr. Magnes’ views may be, his conduct during the past two years does not warrant the hope that he will act as a representative of either nationalistic or Zionist views.
Breaking with the Hilfsverein
AT ONE of the meetings of the Joint Distribution Committee, held several months ago, it was decided to break off relations with the Hilfsverein in the distribution of relief funds intended for the occupied territories. This was regarded as a victory for the nationalist elements on the Committee. At the same time it was decided to send a commission to Poland to organize the distribution so as to eliminate German agencies entirely. It was expected that the status quo would be maintained until the commission arrived in Europe. No publicity was given to the fact that the Hilfsverein had been discarded. The honor of that organization was well protected by its friends on the Joint Distribution Committee. But at that time the Hilfsverein had several million marks of American
The People’s Relief Committee I’ SPITE of the inevitable disorder attendant upon a convention of over 600 delegates, representing various antagonistic groups, the annual conference of the People's Relief Committee, held in New York on August 6th, resulted in the organization of a permanent relief committce, which is prepared to extend the relief work so as to include nationalistic, constructive features. The convention decided upon a comprehensive reorganization, adopted resolutions that are intended to create a permanent relief institution, and expressed views tlıat are in accord with what the Zionists have been striving for in the relief work. The action of the Joint Distribution Committee in its relations with the Hilfsverein was emphatically and unanimously condemned. A new and more responsible administrative committee was elected, and provision was made for the election of a national executive committee, which, when selected, will place the People's Relief Committee in the forefront of the relief work. Hitherto, the People’s Relief Committee has been the platform on which the anti-nationalist socialists and the Zionists have fought their battles. Had this conflict been allowed to prevail at the convention in New York, not only would there have been an unpleasant public scandal, but the People’s Relief Committee would have been disrupted. If the Zionists, having a majority, had insisted that the socialists be eliminated, the People's Relief Committee would have been disbanded or have emerged as a distinct Zionist relief committee, which would have been, at this time. an undesirable culmination. If the
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socialists, having a majority, had insisted upon what they had been reported as having in mind to do, the elimination of the Zionists, the People's Relief Committee would, in that case, also have been disrupted or have become a distinct socialist relief committee. In order to maintain the People's Relief Committee, and have it become a national, permanent institution, the outstanding necessity of the situation required that there be orderly procedure, and that the convention enhance the value of the committee, rather than depreciate it. This was essentially the object of the so-called "deal" between some Zionists and some socialists. The intent of the arrangement was the protection of the good name of an important branch of the Jewish relief work. That was, in effect, attained.
Circulating The Maccabaean
(Br readers will pardon a personal appeal. I presume that a subscriber who reads the magazine—and pays for it — should be exempt from being bothered further about The Maccabaean. But our readers are not only subscribers. Their obligation is not ended when they have enrolled themselves as subscribers. They are also Zionists—for the most part— and should be interested in the magazine from a propaganda point of view. The strength of Zionism is revealed in the strength of Zionist periodicals. By bringing The Maccabaean into new Jewish homes, you further Zionist interests; you contribute to the development of Zionist strength. Every reader should feel this obligation, especially if he is a Zionist. The more readers The Maccabacan has, the greater the power of Zionism. If in your town you find a Jew who says he is not a Zionist, get him to rcad The Maccabacan; it will do him good; he will be thankful to you and eventually will become a regular reader of the magazine. Do not be selfish. Share the magazine with others. You will have the knowledge of being in an extensive company. That is a comfortable feeling. Any thing that makes your Zionist faith stronger is good for Zionism and good for you. Make readers of The Maccabaean!
Swing, hammock, swing !—the evening breath Disturbs the locks of her I love; Sing, children, sing !—the fields of death Are far away. One star above Looks shyly at the moon’s bright curve; The earth is still and woos my soul With peace: alas! I dare not swerve, I cannot change my birth or goal.
The spot I love is desert sand, And still with yearning heart I roam: Oh, Israel-land—Oh, Israel-land, My only hope, my home!
Flow waters, flow, in joy secure, For soon you reach the laughing sea; Blow, breezes, blow !—your kisses lure My soul with longings to be free. The bright birds sing and swoop; the flowers Peep through the azure to the blue; And I with love in odorous bowers Am restless here, dear land, for vou.
The spot I love is desert sand, And still with yearning heart I roam: Oh, Israel-land—Oh, Israel-land, My only hope, my home!