New-York tribune., 1922-05-22
American Jews
Rallied to Fight
Race Prejudice
Nathan Straus, Rabbi Wise
and Untermycr Call for
United Front at Opening
OF 4th Annual Congress
Must Help Faith Abroad
Dishonor Roll Is Suggested
for Rich Who Talk Zion.
ism but Withhold Help
Special Dispatch to The Tribune

'P'''o' blSpHttH 10 nc iTtONNc
PHILADELPHIA, May 2l.-Solidarit
of the moro fortunate American Jcwry
Tor the help and protection Of fellow
rellgionists in the countries of the
old world, and a proud and vigorous
encouragement Of Hebrew culture
with especial reference to Palestine,
were the keynotes Of the fourth
American Jewish Congress that opened
two day session here to-day.
Delegates were in attendance from
more than sixty cities, and twenty
national organizations. Addresses were
made by such American leaders as
Nathan Straus, Rabbi Stephen S.
Wise, Samuel Untermyer, and by such
Internationally known men as Dr. Ma
hum Sokolow, DR.. A. Schelofsky, Dr.
G. Leikin and V. Jabotinsky The last
named group told of specific conditions
IN Europe and Palestine at a night
meeting.
Rabbi Wise Elected Chairman
Permanent organization Of the con-
gress was made with the selection of
Rabbi Wise as permanent chairman
Formed during the World War for
relief work and Jewish propaganda for
lestlne, the organization has be-
come permanent with settled pro-
gram and method for bringing uni
vcrsal justice to the race.
The strength and purpose of the
organization was illustrated by the
references of several speakers to a
dlifcrence of opinion existing among
Jews a s to the best way for attaining
their ends. This apparently has kept
from the congress the support of
several men whose strength and in
fuence arc desired. The vitality of
the congress, in this regard, was IL
Illustrated by the confidence of speak
ers that the difference would proye
only "a passing family squabble."
Mr.. Straus opened the sessions with
brief address that cpitomized much
that later speakers dwelt on.
Straus Deplores Intolerance
$50 long as the spirit of intolerance G
stlil exists in certain backward coun-
trles,' he said, so long as Jews are
prosecuted for their religion and made
the scapegoat Of every misfortune, so
Iong as there are economic boycotts
against Jews, so long as Jews are mas
sacred in certain countries, we Ameri-
can Jews must have a central demo-
cratic representative and authoritative
body that shall speak and act for our
people Wherever cur voice and our acts
can serve to halt the hand of injustice
and stop pillage and massacre.
ut is most fitting for US, for Ameri-
are devoted to the best American
ideals. to do our utmost to help relieve
our brethren who suffer untold perse.
cution and discrimination abroad. even
as we are doing our utmost to help re-
lleve them in their economic disaster
and catastrophe that resulted from the
war. We must also strive to help pre-.
serve their race consciousness, their fine
spiritual heritage, their nblest tradi.
tions and their lofty ideals which the
people Of the Bible and the prophets
have contributed to the world"
MIR. Straus added that for eight years
he has led daily 1000 persons in Pal
cstine, and has made arrangements for
the charity to be perpetual.
81 use charity as the Hebrew word
meaning duty" he continued, There
are a great many rich Jews who talk
Of Zionism because it is cheap. They
do not do anything else If they could
make money out of it they would &c
into it.
"Dishonor Roll for SIackers
eve have honor rolls for those who
do things, but what this country needs
is dishonor roll of people who do not
do things. We should shame people
into doing their duty"
Mr.. Untermyer said that while the
Jews form only per cent of the popu
lation Of this country they contribute
wealth, prosperity, citizenship ane
service out of all proportions to Their
numbers. Their sympathy for THEN
European brethren, he said, was illus
trated during the last year. when tn,
! joint distribution committee raisct
| $50 10000
Rabbi Wise in his address rephraset
passing reference also to the "stinl
bombs" thrown out by "a Detroi