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THE SOUTHERN ISRAELITE A Magazine Perpetuating Jewish Ideals V< inie 6 July 31, 1931 Number 8 \jt, the Congress World Zionist Congress has held the center of the stage or two weeks. The press of the world has kept its millions tders informed as to the views and decisions of the repre- iives of the Zionist groups of all civilized countries. British nment circles, with their ears to the ground, tried to and weigh the extent to which the Jewish people are to go to reclaim the land of their forefathers. Other gov- nts, with interests in the Near East, followed with more i attention, the deliberations of the “spokesmen of the Jew- i people.” In any words, it is not exaggerating to say that the eyes of the world were trained on Basle to get an answer to question: “Are the Jews serious about building in Palestine tional homeland?” The Congress has spoken, but the non- ish world as well as a good part of the Jewish people are led, unable to understand what the Basle message means. Weizmann, the great builder and Jewish statesman, was mated from the leadership by the manipulations of party ieians who sacrificed the cause of the Jewish people in order gain their ends for their own small groups. The resolutions, sed after heated debate, have not give a new understanding nor advanced a solution for these grave problems confronting he .Jewish builders in Palestine. The new Executive, instead if being evidence of new strength, is definitely lacking in pres ide and ability. To Zionists throughout the world, the election Nahum Sokolow brings general satisfaction, coming as the reward to a life devoted to the national cause. W ithout striking a pessimistic note, one cannot help feeling skeptical about the next two years in world Zionism. If at least nily had been achieved at the Congress so that a coalition of mre or less mediocre but willing leaders could consolidate and perhaps advance the positions which the ten years of Weizmann leadership had won for the Jewish people—but impartial ob- ■ reel's agree that the lines dividing the various parties within Zionist Organization have been emphasized instead of eradi- ed. Those American delegates who helped in the ousting of W'-izmann, especially men like Abraham Goldberg who before the >ngress had posed as a supporter of the Weizmann policy, will haw to give an accounting of their actions to the rank and file he next American Zionist convention. The Zionist Congress adjourned for two years without achieving unity, and with- i having decided on a political and economic route. * * * * H arimrg Withdraws Felix M. Warburg is a sick man. is rumored in circles usually well formed that the eminent Jewish phi- nthropist and leader will have to give P all his communal and public activi- s by the strict orders of his physi- ms. Few figures in Jewish public life health to his unique place at the head of American Jewry. * * * * Jewish Agency The Jewish Agency for Palestine, holding its biennial meeting in Basle, ratified the decisions of the 17th World Zionist Con gress. The Agency leaders did not formulate any startling reso lutions nor did they determine on a new plan of action. In view of the present political and economic crisis which Zionism must weather, the non-Zionist group believes that the best policy is one of watchful waiting and consolidation instead of advance. The definite withdrawal of Felix M. Warburg due to ill health, the elimination of Dr. Weizmann as President, the voluntary re tirement of Dr. Cyrus Adler from the Council give the impression that the Jewish Agency has decided to play a minor role in the Palestine movement during the next two years. There is a strange sound to the report that the Jewish Agency had adopted a plan to secure a million members, each one paying five dollars a year. To us this resolution appears impractical. The World Zionist Organization, with established machineries in almost every civil ized country, was unable to achieve this goal or even to approach it. One million members at five dollars is a tremendous undertak ing. Coming from the Jewish Agency, which represents a group of individuals of means whose connections do not extend into the Jewish masses, the proposal takes on the form of a wild joke sponsored by Mr. Sprinzak of Palestine. Mr. Sprinzak is a victim of the old illusion that it is easier to get a million dollars from a hundred thousand people than from ten. * * * * There's A Way ■ I Saloniki is in a state of security and tranquility, according to official reports received by the American Jewish Congress. These reports indicate that the Governor of Saloniki has succeeded in re-establishing order and that the anti-Semitism wave, which threatened to overwhelm Greece, has been definitely stemmed. One cannot help but compare the efficient manner in which the Greek Government handled the anti-Jewish outbreaks, with the indifference of the Rumanian Government at the time of the anti- Semitic persecutions. This is simply additional evidence—if it were needed—that a Government determined to halt anti-Semites when they become physically dangerous can do so. Witness Soviet Russia. Anti-Semitism there has not simply evaporated. It still exists in circles opposed to the Gov ernment. But the Soviet Government places all anti-Semitic disturbances on the crime register, punishable in some instances by death. The Government of Greece has regained the respect of the civilized world by its efficient and stern attitude toward the anti - Semitic hoodlums. * * * * CONTENTS Observations of Jewish Life By DAVID A. BROWN - - That Man Sokolow By REUBEN BRAININ - - ive won the affection and sincere es- * m from all classes of Jewry as has no to the distinguished son in law the late Jacob Schiff. His untiring ‘‘rest in domestic charities, k ; s self- ; devotion to Russian Jewish colo- ntion, his heroic efforts on behalf the Palestine movement had pro- lod Felix M. Warburg to the very oground of American Jewish leader- p. Ever since the death of Louis rshall, it had become generally ad- tted that Mr. Warburg was his suc- >°r. Now that it has become known Mr. Warburg’s physical condition ■he only and real reason for his hdrawal from Jewish leadership, re is general consternation in Amer- n Jewry. We do not abandon hope, ’"'ever, that Mr. Warburg will over- :ne his illness and return in good Franz Werfel—Europe’s Ghandi By EGON MICHAEL - - - - * A Portrait of Myself By PHILIP M. RASKIN - - - A Timid Soul on Broadway By PHINEAS J. BIRON - - - - New York Topics Special to The Southern Israelite - Highlights and Sidelights By MARTIN GOLDE Social Notes Southern Notes Foreign News In the Limelight National News Bernard Edelhertz Bernard Edelhertz, publisher of the American Hebrew, has passed on to that great beyond. His tragic death has startled the many friends whom the former Assistant Attorney General made during his lifetime. Mr. Edelhertz was an immigrant from Russia who suc ceeded in making his way through his own ability and untiring energy. Fif teen years ago Mr. Edelhertz acquired control of the American Hebrew, one of the leading English-Jewish publica tions in this country. As a publisher, Mr. Edelhertz’s record is one of contin uous building which, in view of the difficulties encountered by an English- Jewish publication in a city like New York, speaks volumes for the vitality and perseverance of the deceased. Entered i , .. . .. n * Atlanta Ga., under the Act of March 3, 1879. Published monthly by The Southern Newspaper Enterprise. Inc. Subscription rates: $1.50 >ear in -.dvan!. tv’ C matter 1 Hi J^rresnondence and literary contributions, but the editor is not to be considered as sharing the views expressed by the writers except those •unciated in the tditoJill^lumM. I £uMiahSFl925. M Stephen Schiffer. Publisher. Fritz UUman, Business Manager. Executive Offices, 301 Glenn Building. Atlanta. Ga. All communications Publication should reach this office not later than the 1st and 15th of each month.