New-York tribune., 1918-12-18
Jews Joyous
La Accepting
Promised Land
Dance and Sing After Favor
able Vote ON Great Brit
aims Offer of Palestine
Stnf Coaresnnnde,,e. 9.

StGf Correspondence
PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 17.-To-day's
session of the American Jewish Con-
gress was the most momentous and
demonstrative since its inception here
on Sunday.
The congress, in the form of a reso-
luton, accepted in behalf of American
Jewry the offer of Great Britain to
| designate Palestine as the homeland of
the Jews.
1t was also resolved to send a dele
cation of not more than seven mem
pers Immediately to the peace confer
ence to cooperate with the Jews In
other countries in achieving the OBJ
lects for which the present congress
was convened. That this first congress
Will remain in existence for at least
another year is assured by a provision
that this delegation report back to the
congress not later than one year after
the signing of the treaty of peace.
Definite action was taken, too, looking
toward the converting of worlds con-
gress of Jews Immediately following
the conclusion Of peace.
Many Dance With Joy
The adoption of the Palestine reso-
luton was the signal for the warmest
demonstration of the convention. Cheer
upon cheer rose from the conclave
Jewish and American flags were waved
hysterically. Judge Hugo PAM of Chi
cago, who presided, was himself thrown
into ecstases. Nathan Straus. too.
cast all dignity aside, dancing about
the stage and swinging his hat over
the heads Of the aroused body. The
demonstration came to climax with
the singing of the "Hatikva," the song
of hope of the Zionists, and the "Star
Spangled Banner" Many bearded men
finally sat down with tears in their
eyes. They were overwhelmed with the
imminent realization of their age-old
dreams. The resolution, adopted by
rising vote, reads:
Resolved, That the American Jewish
Congress instruct their delegation to
Europe to cooperate with the repre-
sentatives of other Jewish organiza-
tions, to the end that the peace con-
terence may recognize the aspirations
and historic claims of the Jewish peo-
pie in regard to Palestine, and declare
that In accordance with the British
governments declaration of November
2, 1917, indorsed by the Allied govern
ments and the President of the United
states, there shall be established such
political, administrative and economic
conditions in Palestine as will assure
under the trustceship of Great Britain.
acting on behalf of such league of ma
tons as may be formed. the develop
nent of Palestine into a Jewish com
monwealth, it being clearly understood
that nothing shall be done which shall
the civil and religious rights
of existing non-Jewish communities in
Palestine, or the rights and political
status enjoyed by Jews in any other
country"
Two Dissenters OnJv
There were but two dissenters when
the vote was taken, these explaining
that they did not want to place them
selves on record on so weighty
problem.
Judge Julian W. Mack, president of
the congress, in commenting on the
significance of the conventions action.
said:
"The resolutions adopted in refer
ence to Palestine are an accentance
on behalf of American Jewry, of the
opportunities for the Jewish peonle
that have been offered by the govern
ment of Great Britain in the Balfour
declaration of November 2, 1917. in
dorsed by France, Italy and Serbia,
and which will undoubtedly be af-
firmed by the peace congress. Presi-
dent Wilson, in his letter of August 20.
1918, to Rabbi Stephen S. Wise, ex.
pressed his complete sympathy with
the Zionist aims.
Great Britain has been specified as
ene trustee, In the firm belief that the
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