The Denver Jewish news. [volume] (Denver, Colo.) 1915-1925, 1922-02-22
AGAINST ZION MOVE
DIR. Friedman Says Jews in U. S. Are
Americans, Not Foreigners

ITS an impudencc to every Amer
lean Jew
With these words Rabbi VIM. s.
Friedman expressed his disapproval of
the Zionist mass meeting for the Soko-
low mission held in the city Auditorium
Friedman was addressing his congre-
CATION AT the weekly evening service in
Tmcple Emanuel.
"Ii's an impudencc for Il foreigner
to tell us we are homeless people"
He referred to DIR. Sokolow, head of
the Zionist mission. who is gathering
money in the United States for the re-
Mobilization of Palestine.
Our Christian friends were begin
ming to think of us as Americans. but
again we are branded as foreigners and
temporary interlopcrs," said Friedman.
The occupant OF pulpit possesses
a peculiar advantage over his audience
in that il has no comeback. II was an
exception to the rule when Mr.. Brady
IL few weeks ago rose TO criticize the
pastor of n New York church for his
Indictment of the movie" industry and
the Jews. 1t would hardly be in good
well bred congregation. We can always
have recourse to the open forum of
Jewish journal wherein to air our com
mnnal grievances.
TO the student of current history
with the Balfour declaration and the
San Reno agreement settling the de-
stiny of Palestine, these fulminations
of the ultramOntane reactionaries sound
like echoes of the distant past. y de-
cadc ago when Zionism WIS more or less
an academic question one coulsi well I'M
derstand an honest difference of opinion
on the establishment of Il homeland for
the lews. Now that Zionism is a fat
accompli why these impotent gestures
and vain on the part of our intrans-
igent Bourbons?
Looking mt il from charitable stand
point. we may excuse their failure TO
read the signs of the times by the news
ness of the great historical events that
are passing before their eyes. and
which by virtue of preconceived pre-
judices they do not clearly interpret.
\ more cogcnt reason. however. is tho
haunting fear that a leaning to ZiOnism
may impair our regulations as patriotic
Americans.
Let rs take u lesson from our fellow
citizens of Irish descent. M one
questioned their American patriotism
when they celebrated with greaffervor
the recent triumph of a free Ireland.
Nor did the priests show any hestiancy
to proclaim solemn thanksgiving ut
the liberation of Erin. To profess
love for ones race and the original
American regardless of the stocks from
which our composite nation is made UP.
The war was the fire test which
proved the inherent patriotism of the
various elements in our melting pot.
Not by shouting our patriotism from
the houstops in season and ont Will
prove our worth as good Americans.
Repeated protestations do not inspire
confidence. II is by transformations good
behavior as citizens. honesty and up
rightness in our business dealings.
obedience and respect for law and
order. the payment of our just taxes
and participation i'm all civic activities
for the good of our fellow men. these
and the proof of patriotism-not lip
service and flag waving.
Cover, however. as VIC may. the
opionios of those who differ from us
with the mantle of charity and toler-
ance. vet it i'll becomes n leader of
congregation to resort. in his argument,
to the low prejudices against foreigners
engendered by the war time hysteria.
For does it no say in Holy Writ
Heviticus 1880. THE stranger that
sojourneth with You shall he unto you
as the home born among you and thou
shalt love him as myself. for We were
strangers in the land of Egypt"
Is it any argument against Reform
Judaism that it was brought from
Germany by the foreigners. Wise and
Einhorn? Who will dare criticize the
Declaration of Independence because
the farmers of this immortal document
were inspired by the writings of the
men who brought about the French re-
volution?
When one of the great figures of
Jewry visits our state. common courtesy
hearing and polite reception. When. in
addition. II great construction program
is laid before us. n plan whereby the
homeless and the prosecuted of our race
in the war torn countries shall be re-