THjS JEWISH WESTEEW BULLETIN
Friday, November 22,1946
The Jewish Western Bulletin
Official Organ of the Vaneonver Jewidi Administrative Coundl
Published Weekly Every Friday at
2675 Oak Street---BAy. 4210
Suainesa Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 pan., except Satnrday and Jewish Holy Days. Entered as Second Class Mail Matter at Ottawa
I shall try to correct errors when shown to be errors, and I shall adopt new views so fast as they shall appear to be true
—Abraham Lincoln
......................... Committee Chairman
...............................„.......Society Editor
Nathan Slutsky..........
Ruth Toubman------
VANCOUVER, B.C., CANADA, FRIDAY, NOV. 22, 1946.
THE INGLORIOUS TRIOLOGY ....
By FRED A. STERN
No one, as far as we know, have ever attributed anti-Semitism to the British people. But we are beginning to wonder" about the British Government.
The multiplying evidence of open and outspoken anti-Semitism by British officials does not necessarily point the finger of suspicion to the British Government. But when offcials, even of minor importance, continue heaping abuse upon Jews, it is natuj:al to wonder whether their utterances were not inspired by knowledge that their superiors "are looking the other way."
A year or more ago the world was shocked by an assertion by Sir Frederik Morgan, British UNRAA official in Germany — now happily out — that "red cheeked Jews with "pockets-fuU" of money were fleeing from Poland into the German zone. Some months back the barker was General Barker, British commander in Palestuie, who advised the military to hit the Jews "where it hurts most, their pockets." Happily, he, too, is out. Now the name of a Lieutenant Colonel Webb has been added to the inglorioustriology.
That alleged soldier, supervising the screening of 500 Jews who were detained in Jerusalem following a series of bomb attacks, had the gall to call in reporters covering the incident and tell them that the "Jews are a despicable race ' and that "these bloody Jews saved their skins at Alamein and other places and now they do this to us." The "despicable race" business is likely a direct quotation from a Nazi bible he now knows by heart. But the reference to Alamein shows that the colonel is as ignorant of recent military history as he is viciously anti-Semitic. It would be a waste of time for us at this time to give that "gentleman" a few lessons on the role the Palestine Jews played in making the Alamein campaign the success it ultimately became.
It may be a mere coincidence that the three characters of the triology were military men. But, then again, it may have deeper meaning, going back to a soiu:ce evjsn higher than the military.
Morgan is ou,t Barker is out and, according to the latest reports, Webb is put But it is noteworthy that nowhere in the ouster of these men has it been mentioned that their exile vfas the price of anti-Semitism. Such a gesture might not shut the mouths of avowed anti-Semites, but at least it would plface the British Government on record.
THE JEWISH BOOK MONTH • • • •
Throughout the United States and Canada, hundreds of Jewish communities are observing Jewish Book Month, a nationwide project promoted by the Jewish Book Coimcil of Ameirca to arouse the public and to stimulate the reading of books of Jewish interest in English, Hebrew and Yiddish. The Jewish Book Council, which represents the majority of national Jewish organizations, is sponsored by the National Jewish Welfare Board.
With the destruction of the great Jewish centers in Eastern Europe, this country, next to Palestine, has become the greatest center of Jewish literary creativity. To us the remnants of European Jewry look for the revival of interest in the cultural values of our people.
We are taking the cue. During the Jewish Book Month hundreds of local Jewish organizations are participating in various types of programs geared to promote an intensification of Jewish cultural life. Scores of public and university libraries in large and small communities are having exhibits, lectiu*is, forums and other appropriate programs on Jewish books and Jewish literature in <?eneral. Hundreds of rabbis have set aside November 23 as Jewish Bpok. Sabbath and have planned sermons dedicated to both classic and modern Jewish literature.
There are unlimited opportimities for us in this coimtry to imbue in American Jewry, particularly the Jewish youth, an awareness of the great importance of the storehouse of Jewish knowledge. Our literature is one of the most important means whereby we can accomplish this. Anglo-Jewish literature is a synthesis of Jewish literary accomplishments in its two national tongues. At the same time, Anglo-Jewish literature has its own original and .great contribution to Jewish culture in general Between both World Wars American Jewish literature in English has made such long strides that all that is worthy and important for the modern Jew from the literary standpoint can be found in the English language.
To us has fallen the responsibihty of promoting Jewish ideals and Jewish culture. The Jewish Book Month project of the JWB-sponsored Jewish Book Council is a step in the right direction.
TRUTH Wn-L OUT----'
Rabbi Benjamin Schultz stated recently, in his column in the Indianapolis Jewish Post, that a new decree bars Jews from service in the Covlet Officers Corps . . . Here is the Soviet Embassy's authoritative reply, whifh we call to the attention of Hearst - apologist Scihultz please be advised
that Jewish people are not excluded from the Soviet Army Officers' Training School or in the Soviet Diplomatic Service.
"The Constitution of the USSR, article 123, specifically states:
" 'Equality of rights of citizens of the U3SR, irrespective of their nationality or race, in all spheres of economic, state, cultural, social and politi'cal life, is an indefeasible law.
'Any direct or indirect restriction of the rights oif, or, conversely, any establishment of direct or indirect privileges for, citizens on account of their race or nationality, as well as any advocacy of racial or national exclusiveness or hatred and contempt, is punishable by law'."
ANTI-SEMITE'S CLOTHING ...
When Upton Close^ the leading mouthpiece of American Action, Inc. spouts forth fascist propaganda, he does it while wearing a suit gifted to him by a prominent, wealthy Jewish gentleman (?) from Chicago . . . The man from Chicago and Upton Close had a very congenial and tasty dinner at the swank Standard Club, leading Jewish Club in the windy city . . . The only result of this epochal confab was that Close, branded by the Anti-Defamation League -of B'nai B'rith as an anti-Semite, received a brand new wardrobe.'-' FIGHTING THE TERROR ...
The Revisionist godfathers of Palestine's terror were holding a meeting in New York ... On the platform the speaker called for fascist attack against the Arabs, his voice rising to crescendo pitch, and suddenly, dramatically, pausing . . . The audience hung expectantly in the silence . . . Then a rear door clicked open, and ten, kids, none of them over 20, walked
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â– cultivate, and to combat speculation." With this in mind, be generous and give as much as possible.
LIBRARY STARTED
Issac Horowitz, our educational advisor, pointed out to us the necessity of beginning a Judaean library. Arrangements have already been attended to and a committee was chosen to administer a raffle with the purpose of raising funds fo rthis project, FRroAY NIGHT
CELEBRATIONS
A great deal of work has been done to aarrange for a set of "Oneg Shabbat" during the year to express the activities of the Judaean' organization. Rabbi Kogan has kindly consented to allow these programs to take place a'ter the Friday night services at the Community Centre. The Bulletm will keep you posted as to when these affairs will take place. Everyone is welcome. These Friday night celebrations are staged for you. Do not miss them!
GYM
A reminder to the Jewish youth of Vancouver that gym classes are held every Monday night at the Canadian Memorial Gym situated at 16th and Burrard St., between 7:30 and 10 o'^dock. Register immediately and take advantage of ' the activities offered to you. Our general meetings take place every second Sunday, with the next one being on Dec. 1, at the Community Centre. Attend these meetmgs, for you are the future leaders of the Jews.
Americans Attend Hebrew University
JERUSALEM (WN3)-Fifty Am-erican students—men and women who served in the U.S. armed forces dturing the war—are attending classes at the Hebrew University vn Mount Scopus, outside of Jerusalem, under the GI bill of rights.
This is the first time that Americans are included in the student body of that University since 1939.
By Phlneas J. Byron
down the aisles distributing a "throwSway" . . . Signed by progressive Shrfmer Hatzair, the leaflet denounced Irgun terror and called for all Jews to aid in increasing Aliyah (immigration) . . . Courageous youngsters like these are manning the small boats that daily challenge the British fleet . . . They're doing a great job.
I?«' THE MAIL____
From the University of Vermont comes the following letter . . ."We, the Social Action Committee of the University of Vermont, urge that the British immediately open the doors to Palestme for imimi-teki Jewish immigration" . . .We predict that schools all over the United States will "be echoing that sentimient before long,
POT POURI____
A song that won't miss the Hit Parade is "You'll Always Be The One I Love" ... It was written by "Ticker" Freeman, Dinah Shore's pianist, and is slated for Sinatra plugging , . , Milton Dsrle^ who has been freaking attendance records at New York's Carnival, ir. a very versatile fellow . . . Besides putting the Carnival on the after-dark map with his talented jesfng, Milt has written a song "Save Me A Dream," and he's muscling in on the crooners to sing it himself , , , Sir Stork will nm •a close second to Thanksgiving Turkey at the Daimy Kayes' . . . The works of Bela Bartok, late Himgarian-Jewish composer, are receiving increasing recognition in American music circles . . . Yehudi MenuMn, currently tourmg the United States, performed the Bartok Violin Con'certo at a special performance in Budapest during his recent European toiur. ... In New York, Leonard Bernstein, brilliant young oomposer-conducter, directed Bartok's "Music for String, Percussion and Celesta", rated by critics as a major contribution to modern music. . . . Marc Chagall, whose painting drew more people than Picasso's to the Museum of Modem Art at New York, is exhibiting , to records crowds in Chicago. . . . The American Jewish Congress is preparing a case against several New Yort resort hotels. ... It seems that anti-Semites are circumventing the New York Civil Rights Law by changing their "selected clientele" advertise^ m.ents to "near Christian churches".
Churchill Asks Labor Fiillfil Jewish Proise
LONDON (WNS)—In a blistering attack on the Palestine policy of the British Labor Government, former Prime Minister Winston Churchill castigated the "Socialist Government" for what he called its involvement "in a war against the Jews in order to give Palestine to the Arabs amidst world execration."
Addressing the House of Commons after the opening speech by King George, the war-time leadei of Great Britain declared it Wd. "impossible to avoid expressing deep regret at the needless disappointment created throughtout the world Jewry over the failure of v Socialist Government to fulfil promises made at a general election.'' He urged "if we cannot ful-fill our promise to the Zionists we should without delay place the Palestine mandate at the feet of the United Nations and give notice of our impending evacuation.'-Replying, Prime Minister Attlee said he regretted the raising of the issue by Mr. Churchill "since no one knows better than he the very great difficulty." Denying that there has been a "wobbling" on the issue, Attlee asserted that the government has been "pursuing a policy in accordance with the mandate" and that "we are bound by the mandate to have regard for both the position of the Jews and the Arabs, and have been striving earnestly for cooperation from the IMtfed States
Plain Talk
By ALFRED SEGAL The opinloiis expressed by the author of this column are not necessarily subscribed to by this newspaper.
Ohazan Catches Fish
My very good friend, the cantor, had caught a fish. He had waited patiently on the bank of the Ohio River and, sure enough his patience was richly rewarded ai noon.
Was that a fish! In length, breadth and weight it was all a patient chazen dared hope for in the way of a fish out of the Ohio River. The Ohio River gives fish only meagerly and in stingy size This fish was like a whale by coni parison, you might say.
With such a fish in hand, the cantor could feel that he coula call it a day. He placed it in the fisherman's receptacle ordained for keeping fish and homeward went.
It was the proudest and sturdiest of fish and even an hour after it was out of its native waters, i\ ' had managed to keep on living It just wouldn't submit to the ignominy of being eaten as fried oi even gefillte fish.
So when the cantor got home with it, it was as lively as at the • moment it was pulled out of the Ohio River by the cantor's stout line. His family's startled eyes gazed at the happy phenomenon. The fish's tail was wagging bravely: "You expect me to be dead, maybe? No, I refuse to die. You've got me here in your house alive and what are you going to do a bout me? Tell me."
It was like a challenge: What tc do with a large-size living fish in the house? The cantor's gentle wife said: "We can't kill it. How can we kill something?" Yes, how coiild the hands deliberately take hold to kill it, to bash it on the head, perhaps, or let it perish miserably by depriving it of water?
The cantor's daughter said: "Who of us can kill it?" It was a question purely rhetorical since nobody in the cantor's house could take hold of it to kill it.
The cantor's grandchild was exulting to see the living fish.
The cantor himself felt abashed to bring such problems of morak into his house. It had been a quufc untroubled house, as might be expected of a house in which" the householder sings daily to God "But what can we do" The cantor's philosophy was at a loss. He had brought a big living fish into the house and the conscience of hls: whole family was against killing and eating it. The cantor, himself, had no stomach for it. If he had been a dog, the matter could have been conscientiously settled. You'd get some dog food and take the dog into the household and tnake a pet of. him. But a big, living fish was something else.
So the troubled matter was thii way and that until the cantor's wife spoke up with decision: "You'll take the fish back to the river."
It was at least five miles from the river ibut the cantor thought it was a happy solution. Going back five miles was a much happier pain than killing a fish with deliberate hands. Yes, the cantoi agreed, tomorrow he would take the fish back to the river.
But what was to be done with it in the meantime? Well, thert was the bathtub. It could swim until it was time to take it back to the river.
The fish in the bathtub mter-fered with the family's regular bathing habits but the members could happily endure this rmtil the moment the fish could start
on its journey back to the river They couldn't bathe but, anyway, that wasn't as terrible as deliberately killuig a living thing. .
The next 'day' the cantor took hold of the fish and traveled the
. five'miles to restore it to its rightful way of life as a fish. The grateful fish swam away into the hospitable waters of the Ohio.
Now it's the way of a columnist not just to tell a story but to adorn the tale with a moral. Thougn as I believe, this fish story carries its moral within itself. Yov might say, it's as if the grateful fish itself was speaking to thi credit of the human race, since some of the members feel that even about a fish. This compassion that goes back five mUes to restore a fish to life and livelihood.
The redeemed fish appears to suggest that there really may be some good in mankind which, when it finally grows up, many turn out to be alright. The human race will eventually get around to behaving compassionately even toward creatures of its own kind. There is hope alright!
Out of this fish I get the idea that maybe there was something Jewish in the matter of the creature being compassionately carried back to the river by the cantor. Something of Jewish philosophy in it. The sanctity of life; even in the least of beings, all that. But in deference to. the whole human race I put that aside. Wouldn't it be presiunptuous in me to believe that compassion ,
.is something special to Jews.? ' I could guess that the fish was happy to discover these samplet of the human race on Its brief excursion. If the human race-would only try to be human! The htimar kind had a pretty bad name a-mong the fish. This fish's happy experience of some people diould encourage mankind to have some faith in his own essential goodness and make a man ot himself u.stead of being a heel.
Well, that's the way the fisD seems to speak and so there isn't anything left for me to say in the way of a moral to the story of the fish the chazen caught and returned to the river. I feel the fish speaks my own mind in the matter.
Yet, on further thought I dc like to believe there really may, have been something essentially Jewish in the compassion of the cantor's whole family, in its sen. ding the fish back to the river and giving it a chance to live.
Anjnvay, that's one of the better ways of being Jewish, it seems to me.
Palestine Solution Rests With U. S. A.
ATLANTIC CITY (WNS)—The key to the peaceful solution of the Palestine problem lies in the hands of the United States Gov-erimient. Dr. Moshe Sneh, chief of the organization department of the Jew'sh Agency's executive committee in Palestine, declared here this "week.
Addressing the 21st annual convention of the Mizrachi women's organization, Mr, Sneh- told the 400 delegates:
"If the United States Government can persuade British statesmen now in this country to change their anti-Zionist program, then an agreement can be worked out jand the bitter struggle will be avoided."
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