The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-06-17
THE SEMITIC QUESTION.
The Views of a Liberal jew.

To THE EDITOR OF The SUN-Sir: You re-
Viewed the subjects OF anti Semitism and Zion
ism both thoroughly and fairly. but the COM
ments OF your correspondents thereon have no
great bearing on the subject. Tho suggestion
Of a change OF names like Katz. Cohn and Levi
to more euphonc titles like Kembe. Collins
and Leslie il amusing. but OF little value: 1t Ia
praetioed to small extent. but only serves to
delude one until a face to face meeting has
been had. "Judaicus" is extremely sanguine OF
the success Of the objects aimed at by Zionism.
but the Capitalization OF Jews in Palestine will
prove no easy matter. and their acclimaton to
that sem-tropical country. the coalition Of I'M
migrants from all parts OF the earth. and tho
establishment OF means for their self support
will be a work OF many years.
1support your supposition that at best only a
certain portion OF the Jews will be induced to
emigrate to Palestine. and even these ought
first to consider whether in this new Judea they
can attain the prominence In trade and the
professions that they have attained. and will
continue to attain. by taking advantage Of the
inhabit.
Rabbi Mendess declaration that tho Jews
are chosen and superior race NAV be termed
a matter Of opinion. Numerically the race con :
stitutes about one-hali OF one per cent OF tho
ssartth,s in inhabitants .. The tail Of the dog may
the tail and the tail cannot wag the dog.
Anti-Ssmitism "a you describe IL in to-day's
SUH. is after all only shape Of envy. feeling
that has always been. and ever will be. enter
tanned by those who have not against. those
who have. This Is inb born in human nature.
We have at this age Of civilization and gem
eral enl ightenmentp passed the period OF perse-
cution because Of religious differences. and
venture to assert that, provided Jews are good.
duty to their fellow men. they, will continue
free to enjoy their religion and the fruits Of
their industry and abilities. Envy will con-
tnue TO exist. but this will not degenerate into
hatred and result in persecution, More likely
1t may result in respect and emulation.
an American point OF view. II. however. view
ing 1t from the situation OF the Jews In other
countries a different deduction IS the result ms
such countries are far behind the United States
in civilization and humanity. There are some
such countries. vet because of the fact that
vance there is every reason to hope that in
time the Jaws in such countries will enjoy all
liberties and privileges enjoyed by them In tho
United States
A. to the subject OF Jewish intermarrage
with the peoples among whom they live. tho
standing the stern jewish prohibitory law
The Jewish religion, like other religions, is
constantly undergoing changes to conform
with the lines: the efforts Of those who would
generation is more liberal in its views than it's
predecessor. and the next will probably be-
even more so. This fact and propinuuty and
pleasant associations with the peoples OF other
helt"fa playa part In these intermarringes. and
at tho bottom OF it all is the fact that there is
other monotheistic. religions; fundamentally
they are similar. the, differences are in the
Celebrations ADOLPH OPPENHEINER
NEW YORK. June Is.