Eternal People—Eternal Problem
The Jews in the Modern World. By Dr. A. Ruppiu. (Mae.
raisin. .15s.). .- _ _ -
• •
014E- outcome of recent events in Europe has been a spate of literature concerning the Jews, portraying them in every guise from the wreckers to the saviours of civilization. Many of these books were designed for the moment and are not likely long to survive it.'
Dr. Ruppin's lucid and scholarly work falls into a very different category. Based upon profound knowledge and exhaustive research, it was patently conceived and be. gun long before the present situation could ever have been contemplated, and its appearance at this juncture is no more than a happy chance. But it is, indeed, fortunate that there should now be available to all those who desire to study the Jewish problem with an open mind, a book which presents so readable, temperate and authentic a picture of the part played by Jewry in.the world today.
No aspect of Jewish life is neglected. After a preliminary enquiry into the credentials which entitle a man to be reckoned as a Jew, Dr. Ruppin devotes half of his book to a detailed examination, with statistical tabIeS of great value, to an analysis of the present distribution of Jews throughout the world, to an historical survey of the causes and characters of the various migrations and a critical examination of the birth- rate and death-rate amongst Jews and the problem presented by their natural increase. Perhaps the most interesting section of the book is that dealing with the economic structure of Jewry, and in particular with the historical bases for its peculiar occupational distribution. The political aspect is also discussed, together with the destructive and constructive forces that are in conflict within the community, while the last section deals with the theory and practice of Zionism, of which the author, as director of colonization for the Jewish Agency in Palestine, is himself one of the leading exponents.
In compiling this book and putting his conclusions into the hands of the world Dr. Ruppin has rendered a service, not only to his own people, to whose betterment he has proudly and faithfully dedicated his life, but also to that section of mankind which recognizes that the seat of prejudice is in ignorance and is not only willing but eager to learn.
Professor Namier introduces Dr. Ruppin's work in a characteristically erudite and stimulating preface.
ERLEIGIL
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