The Maccabaean

HE Zionist movement has, among other things, produced for the Jewish people a galaxy of outstanding personalities. Theodor Herzl was the herald of the new time. He was a novel personality, a vibrant force, electrical, imposing. He was the first Jewish figure whose personal influence spread over the Jewish world like a flame, so that all who raised their heads and saw the coming of the new day saw in him the symbol of the renaissance of the Jewish people. The hero is the product of a heroic age; without the setting the hero does not appear. With the beginning of the modern renewal of Jewish hope, the hero was bound to appear. And so in the Zionist movement one meets with this insistent seeking for the 61- 5, sonality in whom one sees heroic elements; and the personalities 7. 4 Pame ce

But the background of the movement was composed,.not of the stars of the firmament, the favored sons who had grace, presence, eloquence and the attributes of outspoken leadership, but of the men who in reality were of the stuff of heroism. Their influence was based not at all upon the ability to attract widespread attention; they had in them none of the histrionic or spectacular talents that stand out in large crowds. Their strength lay within. The boundaries of their influence were limited; they were in a sense more provincial; they were reserved in manner—or at least reserved in the larger, demonstrative occasions of Zionist life—and they retained the allegiance of a large following chiefly by the unequivocal sincerity and loyalty which inevitably animated all their actions.

Dr. Tschlenow was of the latter class. Averse to the broad methods of appeal, he was not eager to push himself forward, preferring rather to concentrate upon the idea in which he was interested. At times it seemed— at least to one not .privileged to know him intimately— that he was torn between a natural inclination to lead, and an innate sense of modesty that restrained him from reaching out for the supreme leadership. As a scientist, he was always objective and possessed a certain detachment even with regard to important Zionist issues, a trait in his character that always made him the pacifying center of every conflict or controversy. Gusts of enthusiasm found him inexpressive and inarticulate; only when the spiritual intoxication had been dissipated would. he find his voice.

He was a Zionist of the pre-Herzlian days, of the days of Pinsker and Smolenskin. The early Chovevi Zionists were also political Zionists. Their views were remarkably

similar to the views of Herzl, but lacking political experience, and the imaginative daring of Herzl, they preferred out of necessity to drive in the direction of achievement in Palestine. This necessity was a grateful opportunity, for among the Chovevi Zionists love of Palestine was not a matter of cultivation. It was an innate affection and longing that spurred them on to activity. They loved Palestine most of all. They regarded Zion with a mothering affection. With them, Zion was the greater element of Zionism.

Through this pre-Herzlian period, Dr. Tschlenow labored with devotion, and when the inspiring figure of Herzl appeared on the Jewish stage, Dr. Tschlenow was among the first to reach out a welcoming hand, and to pledge support. He understood Herzl and worked with him. Of the many Russian Zionists who played an important part in Zionist history, Dr. Tschlenow was least affected by the strident conflicts that often engaged the attention of controversialists in the first years of the movement. When others gave vent to acrimonious criticism, it was Dr. Tschlenow who became the guide leading turbulent elements to an amicable understanding.

He was the actual leader of the Russian Zionist organization because in him were combined all the qualities that made leadership possible in Russia. Extreme in nothing, devoid of pretense and_ exaggeration, wholly absorbed in the cause and its ideals, and tolerant of all phases of Zionist thought, his influence in Russian Zionist cir-

cles was widespread, coming as a cooling breeze. among those whose opinions were often expressed with heat and acrimony. While men spoke of the leadership of the “iron hand,” in truth it was Dr. Tschlenow’s hand that was always on the lever, bringing into co-ordination all elements, no matter how diverse in method and aspiration. Others may have fascinated the popular mind, Dr. Tschlenow inspired confidence.

In every emergency, Dr. Tschlenow appeared on the scene, bringing with him peace, understanding and capacity to do whatever was required. He was European in his understanding of organization problems. He was not wedded to the Russian method, nor did he prefer it when occasion presented. other instruments that could be wielded for Zionism. When it appeared evident that the Wolffsohn administration must be succeeded by an administration representing the influence and the power of the Russion Zionists, Dr. Tschlenow’s name was the one first