Article September 12, 1901 Issue

Palestine for the Jews

Remarkable Rise and Growth of the Zionistic Movement.

Denver Republican

Is Palestine to be reclaimed by the Jews? Will this people return to its own and re-establish its former glory? Recent movements in all parts of the world would seem to indicate that the wandering Jew is near the end of his wanderings. The fourth annual convention of American Zionists has just been held in Philadelphia, and the fifth annual congress of the world's Zionists will shortly be held in Europe. Plans for the complete recovery of the Holy Land are going steadily forward; large colonies have already been established in Palestine, and every month sees substantial additions to the Jewish population of Judea. What do these movements indicate? At the last Zionists' Congress held in London. Professor R. Gottheil of Columbia University, fairly outlined the matter. "It is time," said he, "that the nations understood our motives. Our purpose is gradually to colonize Palestine. We political Zionists desire a charter from the Sultan authorizing us to settle in our Holy Land, and we ask the powers to approve and protect this charter."

The story of the wandering Jew is a particularly sad one and weaved in with legends of his travels are the creeds of many who believe his condemnation to be a prophecy of the second coming of Christ. In its deepest import, says one the tradition is a simply wonderful picture of people forever suffering and yet undying; forever doomed to wander; without a home or any fixed abiding place; safe nowhere, and yet immortal; trampled and beaten; robbed and persecuted; and yet, strangely, living and flourishing in spite of all. The most vigorous, virile, and healthful people under the sun; the bravest and most enduring in battle and siege; the most patriotic and loyal of all people, they steadfastly, through all their wanderings and sorrows, cling to a land which is but a memory of a dream.

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