The Maccabaean

there obtain in the social system of the Jews in Palestine? And what language, if not the native Hebrew, can be the national tongue of the Jews in Palestine?

This is so simple, so axiomatic for the mind and heart of every Jew, for hundreds of generations this has been bred in his blood and brain, not to speak of those Jews who still remember the Bible, the Midrash and other Jewish Books. If in the course of two evenings, a number of prominent Zionists were permitted to explain or establish various points, it was only because it was desired to heighten the relish, to remain for a longer time in the atmosphere of spiritual exaltation. And to the heart and soul Palestine becomes closer, since we shall be able to create there so human, so free a Jewish life. And as though what the Jews themselves know and think of Palestine were not enough, non-Jews, from the Zionist platform in Pittsburgh, strongly recommended Palestine.

A representative of the English Ambassador, a learned scholar, a scientist who spent several years in Palestine, speaks for half an hour convincingly and with a marshaling of facts concerning the natural wealth of Palestine; and he emphasizes the fact that England is conquering Palestine with the simple purpose "to give it over to you Jews as your land." In the same spirit also' the English military officer spoke; he only added that the Jews will probably not wish to receive Palestine as a gift and that they will, of course, create a worthy Jewish Legion of Honor.

A PRAYER

A GOVERNMENT BUDGET FOR PALESTINE

Is it any wonder then that if, after this, there arrives a cablegram to the effect that an immediate sum of £70,000 sterling is required for Palestine, half of this sum is straightway obtained from among the delegates and visitors? Let the need arise to rebuild our land and many, many times that sum of money will be obtained. Money is the least that Jews can give for Palestine. There will even be no lack of lives to be sacrificed, if such will be needed, not to speak of the time when life will be normal.

And in these circumstances the budget of the Pittsburgh Convention for the coming year becomes clear, the first Zionist budget, with a Palestinian governmental character, judging by its contents and dimensions: a budget of $3,000,000, of which less than 15 per cent is for propaganda and organization in America, the rest entirely for work in Palestine: the Medical Unit, $400,000; Agrarian credit, $500,000; the Bank, $1,000,000; the Palestine Commission, $250,000; schools, $150,000. Those are governmental needs and governmental figures. The convention and the administration were not frightened at these figures; on the contrary, they were happy in the thought and hope that in the course of the year, the situation might become so favorable as to necessitate the calling of a special convention, and vote a budget of tens of millions for the work for Palestine liberated.

To Him whose all-creating handMust shape and love and understand,How foolish are the prayers we raiseWho know our needs less well than He,And cannot, from our niche appraiseHow wide and deep His plans must be.

For us who shape our little daysOur work must serve for prayer and praise;Creators we beneath His rod,Striving His constant signs to read,An army disciplined by GodWhose needs but serve a greater need.

BY JESSIE E. SAMPTERFather, beneath Thy sheltering wingsTake these that leave all cherished things,That leave all shelter for the seasPoisoned and spiked with human hate,That leave their loves, their homes, their easeTo go where hidden horrors wait.

Father, beneath Thy sheltering wingsProtect them from all dreadful things:

From fear, that hides Thee with a cloud,From hate, that hides Thee with a flame,From envy, making harsh and proud,From lust of power and love of fame.

Father, and let them understandThey are our rock that builds our land,The corner stone in mercy laid,Our rescuers on a barren coast;And keep them glad and unafraid,As vanguard of our coming host.