2 4 4 D O C . 6 0 O N P A L E S T I N E . F I N A L V E R S I O N
and adopted non-Jewish morals, forms and ways of thinking. It looked as if they
completely dissolved in the numerically larger, politically and culturally better or-
ganized host nations, so that after a few generations nothing visible of them would
remain. A complete dissolution of Jewish nationhood (i.e., “Volkstum”) in Central
and Western Europe appeared unavoidable.
But it turned out differently. There seem to be instincts in racially different na-
tionalities that counteract their amalgamation. The Jewish adaptation in language,
morals, and even religious forms to the European nations among whom they live
could not possibly have triggered the climate of alienation that exists between the
Jews and their European host nations. In its last consequence anti-Semitism has its
origin in this spontaneous feeling of being alien. And therefore, the latter cannot be
exorcised from the world by well-intentioned means of pressure. Nationalities do
not want to be mixed; they want to follow their own ways. A satisfying mode can
be achieved only by mutual tolerance and respect.
For this aim it is especially important that we Jews again become conscious of
our nationality, that we regain the self-respect we need for a thriving existence. We
have to learn again to dedicate ourselves to our ancestors, to our history, and as a
people we have to accept those cultural tasks that are apt to strengthen our con-
sciousness as a community. It is not enough to take part in the development of man-
kind as mere individuals, we also have to face tasks that can be solved only by na-
tional unity. This is the only way Jewry can socially recuperate.
It is from this point of view that I ask you to look at the Zionist movement. To-
day, history has delegated to us the task of actively participating in the economic
and cultural rebuilding of the land of our fathers. Enthusiastic and highly gifted
men have prepared the work, and many excellent kinsmen are prepared to devote
themselves completely to this labor. May everyone of you fully appreciate the im-
portance of this task and contribute to its success to the best of his abilities.
Now I would like to say a few things about the experiences I had on a trip to
America which I undertook in the past months in the service of the Zionist organi-
zation especially for the establishment of the university in Jerusalem. My greatest
experience was seeing a Jewish people for the first time in my life. Ladies and Gen-
tlemen! I’ve seen a great many Jews (laughter), but I have not seen a Jewish people
in Berlin or elsewhere in Germany. This Jewish people that I saw in America had
immigrated to America from Russia, Poland, and Eastern Europe in general. These
people still carry a healthy national feeling within them that has not yet been de-
stroyed by the atomization and splintering of the individual. I have witnessed how
exceptionally self-sacrificing and creative these people are. In very little time, for
example, they were able to secure the planned university, at least as far as the med-
ical faculty is concerned. Furthermore, I have witnessed that for the most part it is
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