[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.]
Srit,---The article by Rabbi Mattuck, on " Liberal 'Judaism and the Modern State " contains various erroneous statements and implications that Call for comment, and correction.
In the first place, there is no clearly defined and generally recognized school of thOught,, entitled "Liberal Judaism." The Liberal Jewish, Confe.rence held a" feW months ago in London revealed marked differences of opinion among the delegates in regard both to ritual observance and Zionism. Both Rabbi Stephen Wise, and Rabbi Mattuck's colleague, the Rev. M. L. Perlzweig, are Zionists. Secondly, the attitude of Liberal Judaism towards the State is in no respect different from the attitude of Orthodox, Reform, or any other form of Judaism: All Jews, whatever their religious outlook, are equally loyal to the State. The statements that " the Jew can be a Jew anywhere," and that " the countries which are now the homes of Jews are their homes permanently," could hive been written only by one who is blind to the conditions prevailing throughout Central and Eastern Europe, from which there is a ceaseless flow of emigration, -Owing to the incurable intolerance.
Rabbi Mattuek's references to nationality show that lie confuses this with citizenship. The two terms are by no means identical. Just as a man of Welsh nationality can be a loyal British citizen; so can a man of Jewish nationality he a loyal British citizen. On the Continent, within one and the same State there can be citizens of different nationalities. Thus in Poland there are people of Russian, Ukrainian, Lithu- anian, or Jewish nationality, who are all Polish citizens equally with those of Polish nationality. The Jews through- out the world have a common national bond, but this does not involve any specific political obligation. The only political obligation of the Jew, or his loyalty, is towards the State of which he is a Citizen. The most ardent Jewish nationalist is just as loyal and patriotic a citizen of the State to which he .ves allegiance as is the most rabid anti-Zionist.— I am, Sir, &c., - The Zionist Organization, 77 Great Russell Street, London, W.C. 1. ISRAEL Conux.
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