DR. HERZL'S CONFERENCE.
SIR,—In this materialistic age, when everything is expressed in monetary
value and thoughts are measured by ‘’ohms and " volts," to still cling to an
idea—which is nothing but an empty dream!—is decidedly unprofitable and a
waste of energy. But when this dream is the inheritance of a nation, handed
down for generations from father to son, it then forms a part of its national
traditions and becomes indispensable to its existence. As the tendency of the
bird to fly upwards, so is the tendency of Israel towards Zion. What was it
that made our race endure so much suffering and torture but the hope that one
day we shall be gathered from all parts of the world, have our own country
restored to us and become a nation once again ? .
Alas, however; for our-most cherished hopes ! Our Rabbis, and those who
think that they are informed best, say to us : " Beware ; do not sacrifice the real
for the ideal. Live in peace among the nations; stifle your longing and noble
desire, for there are anti-Semites about who—the moment you give vent to your
feelings about Zion—will declare to the world that you are not true citizens,
that you do not cast in your lot with that of the country in which you reside,
but in reality your heart is in Zion "
Lamentable farce of an unhappy and downtrodden race . Were all our
prayers to restore'us to Palestine only a sham? For what else were they when
at the moment there are some practical steps to be taken, we hide ourselves
behind a mask of indifference, and not only that, but try with all. our might to
prevent any steos even being taken in the right direction. Nothing can be more
contemptible. Nothing is more conducive to failure than doing a thing in a
half-hearted way. . As the Conference is to take place, let it be attended by the
best and most gifted of our race. Some good will then, undoubtedly, come
from it. I have read several reviews on Dr. Herzl's book in the daily papers,
and one and all are full of admiration towards the author. I have also read in
some of the morning papers about the forthcoming Conference, and nothing
was mentioned or led anyone to infer that Jews are not true to their adopted
country,•
Every year thousands of people leave their various native shores to seek
fresh fields and pastures new. In the new domains they become useful and
worthy citizens, and do everything in their power to further the interest of
their adopted country. Can this not be the case also with our own race? Those
who emigrate will help to build up the fortunes of the land of their adoption,
and those who live in peace and honour in any part of the world need no more
go back to Jerusalem than need President McKinley go back to Scotland,
because his forefathers hailed from the other side of the Tweed.
You have given so much prominence-to those who nave written against Dr.
'Herd's scheme, that I trust you will insert this letter, which is in sympathy
with his projects ,
. Yours obediently, * :
L. BERLOWITZ.
&V Foulden Road,. Stoke New ing ton, N*
