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pie the world over.
Slowly, they put into practice,
within their narowed sphere, the
concept of Zionism. The various
Jewish communties in Italy are
now in constant contact with each
other, a phenomenon that did not
exist before the war. The local
headquarters of these communities
are located in all the larger cities
of Italy, excepting the islands of
Sicily and Sardinia, which are
without Jewish communities.
Twenty communities, active and
newly-awakened to Zionism, en
compass the whole Jewish popu
lation of about 40,000 in Italy.
This latent awakening to Zionism
is being manifested in the concern
of the Italian Jews in Israeli prob
lems, and towards the displaced
Jews living in Italy while waiting
for emigration to other lands. So
cial lines are not drawn so narrow
ly, any more.
A manifestation of this new spirit
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of Jewishness is seen in the con
siderable number of Italian Jews
who have emigrated to Israel, and
the numerous applications of those
waiting for resettlement in Israel.
Before the war, emigration had
been mainly to South America.
Emigration to Israel, to re-create a
new life under entirely different
circumstances, under a new concept
of statehood, is for the Italian Jew
a challenge, and risk, to his self-
chosen future of pioneering.
Another significant facet of their
rebirth in Judaism, is the keen in
terest of all Italian Jews in all
forms of Jewish art. Last season,
many artists came from Israel and
appeared in Rome and other Italian
towns. Poets, singers, actors, dan
cers, orchestral leaders, and musi
cians have introduced the Italian
Jew to the culture and talents of
Israel. Where previously the au
dience was composed primarily of
Jewish displaced persons marking
time in Italy, now more and more
Italian Jews come to absorb and
appreciate Israeli artistry and abil
ity. When motion pictures, depict
ing Israel or Jewish life in the
kibbutzim, are shown in Italian
theatres, eighty per cent of the au
dience are Italian Jews.
This attitude has created a
stronger bond towards the Jewish
homeland. To augment this in
terim contact with the new Jew
ish state, it is planned to send a
certain number of Jewish students
to Israel each year. Recently, a
group of students sailed from
Genoa to Israel for a two-month
study tour of the new state. These
students plan to live in various sec
tions of the country in Kibbutzim,
to work with the people, and to
learn the language. They plan to
return to Italy, versed in Israeli
morals and ideals, the Israeli way
of life, and to further nurture and
encourage their new Judaism.
(Copyright, 1949, J.T.A., Inc.)
A MITZVAH
Mr. Schmulevitz finished his stint and walked slowly down the aisle
of the synagogue. Mr. Schmulevitz was no professional cantor, just
a layman but he had been the chanter of the morning prayers for Rosh
Hashanah.
As he walked down the aisle, Mr. Goldstein grasped his hand.
“Thank you," he said, "for your performance. How much do you
charge the synagogue for it?"
“Oh, there is no charge," replied Mr. Schmulevitz, “that is my con
tribution to the synagogue."
“Well, that's grand” said Mr. Goldstein. ‘‘If you can’t and you
give, it’s a bigger Mitzvah."
-EN THIS year of special significance for Jews everywhere, the call of
the Shofar will sound a new hope for peace in the hearts of men. In Israel,
the young Jewish homeland . . . in torn and ravaged Europe . . . in a free
and peaceful United States . . . Jews may have renewed faith that the
call of the Shofar on this Rosh Hashonah will herald a year in which
peace triumphs over war . . . justice over injustice . . . good over evil. It ls
the hope that God in his mercy may show us the way to a better world.
ATLANTA
iestk
BRASSIERE CO.
NEW YORK
FRANK GARSON ARTHUR CARSON
DAN GARSON BERNARD HOWARD
(20)
The Southern Israelite