Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1920-12-28
THE NEW ZloNISM
II ls Making Steady Progress - A
Philadelphia Corporation Organ
izing to Further Its Purposes.
News Service In Jerusalem
BY GEORGE NOX MCCAIN

BY GEORGE NOX MCCAIN
CHORTLY after the fall of Jerusalem and
~ the triumphant entry of General Alcnby
through the ancient gates there appeared in
a New York newspaper a little poem be-
ginning:
Jerusalem. Jerusalem. I stretch my arms
to thee,
Through pallid mists Of battle smoke above
crimson sea.
The words were recalled the other day in
n talk with Mr.. Brown, of the editorial
staff of the Jewish World of this city.
lie was speaking of the Zionist move
mcnt in Philadelphia.
And not alone in Philadelphia, but
throughout the world.
1t presents steady progress. Not the
impetus of a flood, but rather gradual
accession Of strength.
The end of the world war is too recent.
There are too many complex hndrances for
the Jews, those who really desire to return
to Palestine, TO orient themselves to the
changed conditions.
Decades may come and go before the full
power of Zionist activity is manifested.
TNHE Jews in Philadelphia are taking prac-
l. teal steps to make of it an accomplished
fact
Its appeal. Mr.. Brown says. is not re-
striCtod. Orthodox and Reformed and even
the radical or free thinkers of Judaism are
interested.
Official figures show that thus far 1000
Jews have returned to the promised land.
Not many are from the United States. Those
who do 60 from here are on business ven
lures or in organization work.
The figures are rather disappointing at
first glance. They are in vivid contrast to
the vast number that are reported from
eastern and northern Europe awaiting an
opportunity to cmigrate to this country
DALESTINE is n dimnutive country COM
J. pared with our own vast domain.
II is about the size of Arizona and re-
Scmblcs it in many of its physical char
aCtCriStiCS.
Its least popuous district or vilayet has
only three inhabitants to the square mile.
Its most populous about 12O.
Its total population is in excess of .. 100
600. That of Arizona, by the census Of
1910, is 2O4 900 in round numbers
TNliE hope of the restoration of the Jews
l. is one of the foundation stones of ira
ditiona Judaism.
Throughout the ages this hope has re-
maincd as a guiding star to its children.
In every orthodox Jewish home in the
world during the annual ceremonial of the
Passover the words next year in Jeru-
SALEM are used
1t may not be- doubtless is not to millions
individually. II heart hope; hut it is the
expression of national aspiration the
words Of an undyng faith in the ultimate
glory of Zion.
TT Is forty years now since there began
the first distinct march to Jerusalem and
the hills and valleys of Lebanon. The home
ward pilgrims were the victims of Russian
bureaucracy.
send out colonists and aid them after their
arrival.
The millions left by Baron de Hirsch for
tins purpose were spent with lavish hand.
Fresh impetus was given the movement
when brilliant Nicnncse. DIR. IIerzcl, pub
liShed his monograph ON "'rhc Jewish
State"
More than anything else. before or since,
IT gave concrete expression to the national
ideals of the race.
1t demanded the actual reconstruction of
the Jewish people as n nation.
The creation of q vast Jewish cOmpany.
amply financed and wisely directed, was con
tcmpatcd. In its hands were to be placed
the dcstinicS and government of the Jewish
state.
Tn SPITE Of all this, during the years that
interviewed till the world war. the feet
of the chosen people Of old in the lands of
oppression turned Ia free America.
An attempted colonization in Argentina
Of Russian Jews that was subsequently made
was not n success.
There was. prior to the war. one con-
spiruOus deterrent reason for the lag of
Immigration to Palestine. 1t was the dread
Of Turkish rule. or misrulc. rather
Their" was nothing to be gained by chang
ing masters in oppression; the car for the
sultan.
TIL" United states now and always has
been to Judaism of tn" Old World/thc land
of opportunity. Here were to be- found free.
dom and prosperity for those who worked
This explains, in the past. the difference
in~thC immigration figures for .Nlcppo and
New York.
TIIE approach Of new dawn is hcraldcd
l. apparently in the rccrudcSccncr of
/ionism.
Nothing better illustrates it than that in
Jerusalem to-day is maintained news and
propaganda service.
In several Of last weeks newspapers ap-
pearrd cahIrgrams from the Jewish Tc,c-
graphic News. Thc items wcrr cabed from
Jerusalem 10 New York. and thence sent
broadcast oyer III" United States.
Modern /ion~m il up to date
Therein lies it, hope.
What DO You KnoV?