Dorothy Thompson

Birmingham News/July 7, 1920

LONDON, July 7.—”After 2,000 years of homelessness and insecurity and persecution we meet at last as a nation with a home secured in our historic land for a place among the nations of the world, dependent only upon our own wisdom and devotion.”

With these words M Sokolow, known as “the diplomat of the Jewish people,” opened the world conference of the Zionists for the formulation of plans to reclaim Palestine for the Jews, here today.

Two hundred and fifty delegates are present from 39 countries, including Russia and the Central Powers. Every shade of opinion among the Jews of the entire world is represented here. Among the delegates from the United Slates is Associate Justice Brandeis of the Supreme Court.

The three main questions for consideration are (1) an administration plan; (2) immigration policies and (3) a physical problem.

The American delegation is the most important in numbers and this importance is enhanced by the fact that it represents the richest country in the world. Justice Brandeis is easily the outstanding figure among the American representatives and chief interest today centered upon the address which he was scheduled to deliver this afternoon in response to the welcoming speech.

It is estimated that $100,000,000 is necessary for the first year’s work in restoring Zion. There are sharp differences of opinion as to how this money shall be raised. Cohen Bernstein, leader of the Zionist movement in Russia, proposed to raise it according to the Biblical injunction to give up one-tenth of income to a common fund. Another faction suggested a national loan to be raised on Jewish-owned securities in the form of a guarantee fund.

Discussing the immigration phrase, Max Nordau, famous writer, proposed to “dump” 500,000 immigrants into Palestine immediately. At present, he said, the Jews in Palestine are in the minority and immigration is the only solution.

“If we can make Palestine an unquestionably Jewish nation the money will flow into it,” declared M. Nordeau.

There is a large group that favors gradual colonization to avoid confusion. All the delegates are of the opinion that the decision of the allies at San Remo to give Great Britain a mandate over Palestine will eventually leave the administration of Jewish affairs in Palestine in the hands of the Jews themselves.

Dr. Weissmann, one of the British delegates, is leading a movement for administration of the homeland through the creation of a new international organisation, but the Americans oppose this.

The Americans advocate administration of affairs through the continuation of the present Zionist organization.