The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1897-06-07
,rAx ronDhU ON sroN1snr.
ne Is nsart and seul In the NEeve-est-z,en-
lists ana Non.Hiouistn-

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As II is we'll known. DR.. Theodore HerSl,
shocked at the persecution Of the Hebrews, In
| itiated the scheme Of founding a jewish commu-
nifty. He was presently Joined by the world
famous author and philosopher, DR.. MAJ
Nordau, who is sojourning in Paris. It WINS
through their persistent efforts that an inter
| national Congress Of Hebrews, to be held In
Munich in August of this year, was decided
upon.
DR.. Michae Singer, editor Of Tolerdns, q
New York Jewish weekly, has been propagat-
ing this noble cause in America. His agitation
resulted in a large number Of ndherents.
The Rev. DR.. K. Kohlcr Of the Congregation
Bethel Of this city In one of his sermons took
occasion vehemently to attack both Dr. Herzl
and DR.. Nordnu. DR.. Singer published n part of
this sermon In his weekly.
DR.. Nordau in reply addressed q letter to DR..
Singer. the full contents of which We reproduce
in tho following:
80 AVE. DE vILIiERs, PARIS, May 20, 1897.
MY DEAR SIR: l beg TO extend to you my
thanks for your letter and the clippings from
the New YORK papers. At tho same time allow
me 10 congratulate you on the spirit which per-
vades the copies of your ToierGns you were
kind enough to send me.
/ cannot, however, enter into an argument
with DR.. Kohler and the base calumniator who
charges DR.. Herzl and myself with I know not
what contemplate ambition for notoriety. I
have something else to do. I do not 1.-Two on Jul
daism, like DR.. Kohler, though I am willing to
1.-Two for Judaism. And though 1 devote my time
and strength for tho Zionistic movement, I
cannot DO expected to go too far into the sacri-
flee i am 90 willing to undergo. I do not sub
scribe to the necessity Of refuting DR.. Kohler
and the like of him, nor do ] see any use In car
rying on a wordy war with narrow.minded zeal
OTIS who sock delight in public quarrcls.
Tho spirit Of Zionism was not called into ex-
istcnce by DIR. Herzl and the friends that Joined
him. 1t originated in the mind Of hundreds Of
thousands OF oppressed and prosecuted Jews. 1t
Is the embodiment OF the desire on the part Of
the sufferers to be redeemed OF their sufferings.
DR.. Herzl has only given a distinct form and
shape to what vaguely lowered before hundreds
Of thousands.
To believe in the necessity OF creating a senti-
ment for Eionism is to be ignorant Of the true
spirit Of the idea. We do not propose to make
converts, but we do propose to show to those
who arc Zionists, and as such declare themselves
to DO. the true path which leads to an organize
ton and the realization of their desires.
Those Hebrews who feel well in their present
condition., may remain in the same. Nobody in
tends to caiole or force them from their position.
We could not and would not do that.
II DR.. Kohler feels happy in New York, so
much the better for him. We shall not disturb
his good fortune. We do not ask him to CO.
operate in the erection OF Zion. We do not even
ask him to send us workmen to assist in the la
Dor Of construction. What business has he,
however. to heap infamies upon those Jews who
are not so lucky as he. and who expect to anne
liorate their condition by the establishment OF q
jewish community By what right. does he
bascly suspect those who. without the slightest
advantage for themselves, nay. to their intense
injury, are willing to lend a helping hand to their
brethreni
As DR.. Kohler is not Zionistically inclined and
does not believe in Zionism, he has positively
nothing to do with 1t. 1t is an effrontery In him
and the like of him to blame and discourage q
movement which does not come near him, and
which is only advocated and supported by those
who from its realization expect to obtain their
own happiness.
You are. OF course, at liberty to use this letter
according to your desire and liking.
Extending to you my cordial greeting, 1 am,
with the highest appreciation, your devoted
NJ. NoRpAU.