History of Zionism, 1600-1918, Vol. 2 (of 2)Sokolow, Nahum
History
History of Zionism, 1600-1918, Vol. 2 (of 2)
Sokolow, Nahum
Jews -- Restoration; Zionism -- History
For the sake of historical accuracy, other distinguished persons must
be mentioned as well. We refer to some members of the famous House
of Rothschild. Volumes could be written concerning what Baron Edmond
_de_ Rothschild has done for colonization in Palestine. Far removed
from political activity and unwilling to play any official part in the
Zionist Organization, devoted with love and attachment to his country,
France, and at the same time inspired with the loftiest sentiments for
Judaism, this Nestor of true philanthropy cherishes a love for the idea
of regenerating Palestine that cannot be too highly valued. That he
has made this ideal one of the most beautiful traditions of his family
is shown by the fact that his son, James, has followed the example of
his father. This stimulating and instructive example could not fail to
influence the other branches of this great family also. The late Lord
Rothschild of London, who stood at the head of organized English Jewry,
was long regarded as an opponent of Zionism. But this opposition was
not a matter of principle, it was simply determined by circumstances:
the obstacles appeared to him insurmountable, and that was the only
reason for his opposition. In view of the different circumstances
caused by the war, he revised his former opinions, and shortly before
his death he began to take an interest in Zionism. Following this
lead, other members of this family also have taken up a favourable view
towards Zionism, and this view grew to a complete alliance with the
Zionist Organization on the part of the present Lord Rothschild.
In connection with this development, the very great services of Dr.
Weizmann in this same direction must be mentioned. Shortly before the
outbreak of war Dr. Weizmann had given much attention to the project of
founding a University in Jerusalem. This project, which met with great
approval, not only in Zionist circles but also elsewhere, brought him
into closer relations with the House of Rothschild, and this did much
to make the members of this family more closely acquainted with Zionism.
This was the position at the beginning of the war. The outlook was
promising, and a sound start had been made. But all this was waiting
for development, for deepening, for actualization. The English Zionist
Federation, being a local organization, could neither speak in the name
of the great masses of Zionists of the Entente countries nor could it
undertake the great political labour of propaganda organization. Thus
it happened that on the part of Dr. Weizmann, Dr. Gaster, and others,
the invitation was sent forth to the main organization to delegate two
of its representatives to London.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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