New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-11-18
Colossal Project to
Require Hundreds
of Millions
LOANS TO BE MADE
WITHOUT INTEREST
Work on Huge Scheme to
Begin as Soon as
Peace Is Declared

Once more have the Jews OF Americn
poured out their sympathy and gen
erosity toward the suffering members
of their race In the war devastated re-
gions Of Europe, this time with per-
haps the most colossal scheme of prac
tical financial help ever undertaken.
DR.. Judah L. Magnes, who recently
returned from Europe, whittier he had
been sent by Jewish charitable orgsni-
zations to investigate the conditions
Of war sufferers, announced yesterday
that the Hebrews of the United States
had undertaken to rebuild all the
ruined homes Of Jews in the war arena.
The work will not begin till peace Is
declared. The money to accomplish
this great task will not be given, but
loaned to individuals without penny
Of interest.
DR.. Magnes did not attempt to esti-
mate the sum required. but it is under
stood that the cost will run into sew
eral hundred millions of dollars. The
project transcends in magnitude all
previous war relief enterprises In the
United States. Just how the loan is
TO be obtained has not been decided.
DR.. Magnes said yesterday that he
would leave the enormous organiza-
tion of the loan to the wealthy Jews
of the country who have, in blanket,
approved the idea and WIN have
pledged themselves to raise the fund.
Will Raise Cities from Ashes
Whole villages, even cities, largely
inhabited By Jews in German and Rus
sian Poland, Lithusnia and Galicia,
and shot into ruins by the greatest
armies of history swaying back end
forth. will be raised from ashes and
desolation. Scores Of thousands, II not
hundreds of thousands, of Jews Will
be assisted to stand on their own fee'
economically when the terrific strug-
gle is over.
The aid will not be confined to the
battle arena where the Teutonlc ana
tho Russian armies have played havoc,
but to all other districts IN Europe
u,bera the Jews have suffered-France,
r+alv Rumania and Palestine. Only IN
tho Holy Land can the work OF re-
babilitation of lost fortunes begin AZ
once Money will be loaned there TO
merchants. tradesmen and farmers VINO
have lost their capital since turkey
plunged into the war.
In general, DR.. Magnes's plan follows
the Jewish policy Of "Gemiluth Chaso-
dim" which means "Acts OF Loving
Kindness and which originated IN
Pussia wears ago. This principle has
snread TO Hebrews in all lands. IL has
found practical expression in New YORK
ond other American cities in the Jewlsh
free loan societies, which loan sums
from So to 5000 without interest. Dr.
Magnes is certain that the money VIII
he paid back by grateful and pros
porous people.
DIR. Magnes Presents Plan
DIR. Magnes said last night:
81 wish to present my brethren, 10
the Jews of the United States who have
the spirit of true brotherhood piah
70 afford TO the stricken members OF
our race in Europe a real rehabiiita-
t;on when the great struggle shall be
over. There are hundreds and thou
sands of Jews in Europe to whom the
ties of birthplace are as strong as 10
those born in America and 10 wnom'
no matter how far their fortunes might
he advanced by migrating elsewhere,
ore either too old or too strongly at
,ccbed 10 the places of their origin TO
Go 50.
loans. How much shall be needed no
nre can tell. The security is the honor
~ the Jewish race, never yet dishon-
ored. 10 repay when and how II may
.be moneys advanced it. The inherent
tL,ift business instinct and honesty
Of the race are guarantee that. with
holm sufficient TO build their homes,
10 AGAIN establish themselves in busi-
ness and to start their wrecked lives
anew. no principal will be defaulted
mon In this work of charity we do
not propose to charge any interest
Rut the Jews of America, blessed with
Leace. with plenty and with health,
cannot do less than 70 establish great
fund with which TO rehabilitate, or,
os II NAV be, to hablitate their breth-
rem scross the seas, from where so
many of us have come and to which
we are vitally attached, despite our
transplanting.