The Maccabaean

EHEN STATELY, powerful, manly figure, this X is how I saw Wolffsohn when I first met NINO AAN him, and so he continues to live in my EN (er memory. This was twenty-seven years N & 280. he De Kr ee est ar N Nah en ogne Soc or Jewish History an IN, ae sahen the German Jews to new epoch-making life. I saw him for the first time at one of our most brilliant evenings, when the whole Jewish community of Cologne thronged into the Wolken- burg to listen to the fine little talks of Gustav Karpeles on the Jewish past. Later, at one of the evening discussions in the Literary Society, when I was sharply attacked for my Jewish national views, he placed himself at my side. From that time dates Cologne Zionism and David Wolffsohn’s life’s work.

Vigorous and manly he still was when I parted from him for life. It was in Homburg on a rather cool day in May. Everything bloomed and blossomed around us as we strolled for hours along the beautiful promenade. Nevertheless, I realized only too well that his vital power was broken. But he well managed to delude his surroundings with his sunny wit and cheerful jokes, so that there was renewed hope in my breast. How bitter was our farewell then as he sat in his chair before me pale and collapsing, totally exhausted from the hours of animated conversation. Then I knew that I would never again clasp him in my arms.

It was a short space of time in history this quarter of a century of a human life. But what a mighty rise it means! When Wolffsohn stepped into the Jewish national movement those carrying the banner were a small band of enthusiastic youths, one hardly knowing about the other. There was one group of friends of Palestine in Russia, another in London, a third in Paris. Political work, joint endeavors were strange to them. No program, no centre existed. There was no leading personality and no united followers.

When Herzl appeared meteorlike it was allotted to Wolffsohn to become his best friend and loyal mentor. His heart called him to this, and the tried safety of his cool, well-balanced mind. Wolffsohn clung to Herzl more than to his own life, willing to sacrifice himself for him if need be; thus, in a moment of supposed danger he bared his breast to the hostile weapon.

And Wolffsohn loved life itself. No one in our circle was so filled with the joy of life. The humor with which he enlivened his talks was delightful; his wit, irony, creative power made it a special pleasure to listen to him. In this way it often happened that party-friends, calling on him on business, nearly forgot the purpose of their visit as they sat for hours listening to his interesting conversation and witty description of persons and events. Through his strong will power he hoped to overcome his

weak heart, so that he might be able to devote many more years of his life to the leadership of the Jewish people. He never considered his activities in public for the Zionist movement as concluded. New and brighter times were to arise through his energy. One of the most beautiful epochs of my life were those ten years during which, as chairman of the Zionist organization in Germany, I had the privilege of counting Wolffsohn among my faithful comrades in the administration. He was always ready to help me with counsel and deeds. He was indefatigably concerned in the dissemination of the Zionist idea in Germany. How hard those first days of our work were only a few remember. The experiences of those toilsome days formed Wolffsohn's favorite topic of conversation when he sat together with his Zionist friends.

He was often attacked as a political Zionist in contrast to the so-called practical Zionists. How short-sighted were his opponents! He was the one who projected practical work for Palestine, and his entire, often fierce opposition against the wishes and views of Herzl rested in the necessity of creating a positive basis for our work in Palestine. Step by step he led Herzl on this course. On this point Wolffsohn was the stronger and of an unbending will, as he understood more about it than did Herzl. But he also recognized the towering preponderance of his master in the province of diplomacy and polities. When he was forced to take over the political leadership of the Zionists this was his greatest concern. He dreaded the responsibility, and this very fear caused him to surround himself with a circle of co-workers who formerly stood in the camp of Herzl’s opponents. Hesitatingly and with the greatest caution he followed Herzl’s way. Everything that he could not oversee on this way seemed to him adventurous and he refused it emphatically. When Wolffsohn staked his person he wanted to know whether the game was worth the risk. When he was not sure of it he closed his heart and hand. He saw his way clearly that he had to go when he stepped into Zionism. Modest. sagacious and steady, he was as a pupil until he comprehended all; energetic, conscious of his aim and of a resolute character, he was filled with the responsibility of his leadership ; devoted and loyal he was as a friend. But also always calculating whether this friendship would serve the Cause. The task with which he was imbued was fused with his own person. Thus the friends of the Cause became his own friends, and the Cause of Zionism his own cause. The great, as well as the only weakness of his leadership, are due to this.