The Washington times., 1907-01-17
Still Divided.

Ii is evident the Jews of the world
viii never fully agree as to Zionism,
and that if q nation is again to be
the portion OF the race, it win not
have universal support. Wherever
this subject is discussed by Hebrews
opposite sides are taken at once, as
was made manifest at the banquet
rendered the famous DR.. Shmaryohn
levin in Boston the other night.
Something bringing up the matter,
Rabbi Fleischer, a leader among
New England Hebrews, had this TO
say:
Though Zionism interests me, / do
not believe In 10 nor accept il as a sOlu4
ton Of the so-called Jewish question"
II seems 10 me 10 answer the question
l by running away from 1t. Also / re-
greet 10 see any section Of Jews con-
/ template backward step. That would
be my Interpretation OF Zionism.
The Jewish nation died nearly 1900
years ago, and since that day the Jew
has been d symbol of the human
ramlly's tendency 70 cOsmOpOlitanism,
Nationalism Is a phase OF human or
ganiZatlon on the way 10 that world
citizenship which VIII some day be the
commonplace type Herein. the Jews
position in the world has been uncon-
sciOusly prophetic.
Nationality is not a nnal fact. In
deed already there is not only a
growing international spirit. but
/ government OF the world by public
opinion. Upon the growth of such a
spirit and power informed with good
will and justice. / confidently rely for
settlement. not only OF the Jewish
question. but OF all the other com
piicated problems OF mankind.
But DR.. levin, who is a practical
Zionist, could not accept this doc
trine, in which esthetic philosophy
| played a larger part than the spirit
of materialism. This was his reply:
You have got 10 have a nation before
YOU can have international influence.
l Nationality ~ necessary for represeu-
l tatiOn. A race can have no standing
| among nations unless il is organized as
a nation. The jews cannot hope for
| the consideration of nations until they
! again become a nation.
No Doubt it is a sacredly attrac-
tive picture. this seeing with the
minds eye of a great and pros
porous and powerful Hebrew re-
public occupying a fertile and pleas
ant land, and making itself felt in
/ the counsels of the world II is
/ tiattering to the Jews sense of
mental and financial ability and
ii also has a powerful influence on
| his religious nature and cravings.
To realize the ancient prophecies
/ is one of his most cherished dreams.
Yet il must be seen that the
Hebrews of the highest cultivation
and wealth are not the chief ones
who favor the gathering together
of the race from all corners of the
world; leaving as il were, the pleas
ant places of humanity and setting
| themselves TO the labOriOus task Of
forming "a new nation. The Hebrew
of the Rabbi Fleischer type natural
/ ~ sees little attraction in a life
of that sort. Such men as he, and
they are many, prefer 10 make their
way in the world as subjects of no
one, not even of their own, but
rather as free citizens of this Amer
/ lean republic
Zionism may one day be a fulfilled
reality. But if that is so those who
viii make the new state will be for
the most part the most orthodox in
religion, the most industrious in
manual toll, and the most ardent in
the old poetic feeling that once
more viii a great prophet come TO
the race. just as the people are
divided now, so they viii ever be.