ZIONISM in SWEDEN* Morton H

ZIONISM IN SWEDEN* Morton H. Narrowe

Stockholm

Introduction result of hard work by the merchant, Salomon Blumenthal, who was called "Zionism's foun- The first Zionist Congresses left the Jewish der in Southern Sweden" in the 100 year Ju- majority in Sweden relatively untouched. It is bilee Volume of the Malmö Jewish Community true that Professor Gottlieb Klein, the in- (1971). fluential Rabbi of Stockholm, a student and Efforts by the Zionists in Sweden to gain personal friend of the great German reformer, public attention for themeselves were mainly Abraham Geiger, and to a lesser extent his ineffectual until Kurt Blumenfeld, the General colleague in Gothenburg, Dr. Koch, did oppose Secretary and Chief of Information for the the Jewish national movement in speeches and World Zionist Organization in Berlin, visited study circles, but not until January 1910, when Stockholm and Gothenburg (9-17 April, the first Zionist society was founded in Stock- 1912) to deliver several open lectures. Blu- holm, did Swedish Jews seriously consider this menfeld received extensive press-coverage. On alternative to their "prophetic Judaism". Small 16 April his subject was "The future of the Zionist groups in other parts of the country Jew" and on the 17th, "Zionist Activities and had, in fact, previously existed and failed. the Present Political Situation". These were According to "Die Welt", the German language each covered by at least three newspapers. Blu- Zionist newspaper, in a small notice of Sep- menfeld met with several community leaders, tember 1902, Cantor Hurwitz was president but not with Klein who demonstrated his an- of a Zionist club in Malmö. I have been tagonism. Eventually (Jan. 7, 1913) the Rabbi unable to pin-down the exact date for this published in the influential newspaper, Dagens organization's birth but can relate that it was Nyheter, a hard critique af the national mo- short-lived. It was apparently the first Zionist vement — "Why the Swedish Jews are not association in Swedish-Jewish history and the Zionists". Lacking intellectually competent leadership, the Zionist organization could not reply. But Reverend Lindhagen, Executive Sec- * The first part of my study of the early years retary of the conversionalist "Judemissionen" (1897-1914) of Zionist activities in Sweden of the Swedish Lutheran State Church, unso- has not as yet appeared in its entirety. A long licited answered, questioning Klein's interpre- English language summary was, however, read tation of Judaism. The Rabbi had written that as a paper at the First Nordic Congress of Jew- Zionism "is not Jewish in the prophetic sense. ish Studies in May, 1975. In Swedish trans- Jewish nationalism is a withdrawal from Is- lation this lecture, with footnotes, was published rael's mission, a process of destruction within in "Religion och Bibel xxxiv 1975, Nathan Sö- the organism of the Jewish religion." The derblom-Sällskapets Årsbok" (pp. 59-69). The first section of this article is an attempt missionary, Lindhagen, retorted: "Since the to summarize that article which deals with Zio- statement to which I refer comes from the nist activities prior to the First Scandinavian man with the leading position in Swedish Conference in January 1913. Jewry, it must be recognized as the most sorry

12 proof of Jewry's degradation as long as it is neither side ever admitted that the former represented by such men. Absence of even a Chief Rabbi of Bulgaria was at one time the trace of concern for millions of Jews who do protégé of "the Zionists". Neither Ehrenpreis' not have the material well-being of Swedish book, "My Life Between Fast and West" nor Jews means a complete alienation from the Old the various Zionist publications relate the real Testament's teachers of Israel, filled as they developments that led Ehrenpreis from the were with a glowing love and a sympathy for Chief Rabbinate of 100,000 Bulgarian Jews their people." to the position of Rabbi for some 3000 Swe- This concern for "the Jewish People" was dish Jews in Stockholm, in the main secularly fundamental for Swedish Zionists. And no well-educated, culturally active and wealthy. wonder : they, themselves, were almost exclu- But the Zionist Archives in Jerusalem contain sively immigrants. Some had succeeded in be- numerous letters, printed invitations and the coming members of the Swedish Jewish Com- above mentioned "proclamation of Jewish munities — membership was reserved for Swe- loyalty" of March 1913. It is certain that the dish citizens — but most were not. In fact, "Zionists" successfully convinced the Execu- the denigrating term "zionist" among the com- tive Board of Stockholm's Jewish Community to munity elite, was another way of saying interview additional candidates to succeed Pro- "foreign Jew". It is therefore not surprising fessor, Rabbi Gottlieb Klein and to consider that the Zionist leadership continually looked Dr. Ehrenpreis' application. Unbelievably in outside the country for inspiration and edu- retrospect, everyone was pleased when Ehren- cated help. Rarely were they able to manage preis was nominated: Rabbi Klein, the assi- larger projects on their own and even those milationists, the Board of Directors and even which were attempted in the public eye were the Zionists. His interview, sermon and lec- often led by the few Swedish-born members ture in January 1914 were extremely well re- of the association. Thus the unsuccessful attempt ceived, although by this time Professor Klein to form a Zionist summer camp as a response was sick and could not attend. Ehrenpreis went, to missionary efforts among the penurous Jew- instead, to Djursholm outside the city, to visit ish children in the southern part of Stock- the ailing incumbent at home and had a warm holm (some 30 children attended a Christian and lengthy discussion with him. Marcus Eh- "vacation-camp" in the summer of 1911) was renpreis was elected Rabbi of Stockholm by under the chairmanship of the native born the community in March 1914. The joy — H. Elliot and the magazine "Zionisten" appear- at least on the part of those behind the scenes ed briefly under the editorship of Leopold (the Zionists) — was to be relatively short- Turitz, one of the few college graduates in lived, as will be related below. the Zionist association. Rarely did Moritz Tar- schis, the devoted founder and guiding spirit of the Zionist Association. publically stand The First Scandinavian Zionist Confe- alone in these early years. But Tarschis was rence, Stockholm, 5 and 6 January 1913 actually the dynamo behind almost everything attempted by the small but energetic group : In the more than two years during which the the founding of the Stockholm Zionist Asso- rabbi question was being decided, Scandinavian ciation in January 1910, the proclamation of Jewry was moving toward an inter-Nordic co- Jewish loyalty insisting that the next rabbi be operation although Finland, of course, could a Zionist in March 1913 — which was sent affiliate only after gaining its freedom from to all Jews in Stockholm -- and the various Russia. Several changes had occured which political manoeuvers eventually leading to the seemed to indicate that the old sociological engagement of the world famous Chief Rabbi pattern might finally be interrupted and the of Bulgaria and former secretary to Theodore normal assimilation with its concomitant dis- Herzl, Marcus (Mordecai) Ehrenpreis as Rab- appearance from the Jewish community might bi of Stockholm. This was actually a superb be halted. All around them the immigrants political accomplishment, but because of the could see numerous examples of a three gene- animosity that gradually developed between ration assimilation. Orthodox parents had lib- Marcus Ehrenpreis and those who worked be- eral children who intermarried with non-Jews hind the scenes to bring him to Stockholm, and then baptised their children into Christian- 13 ity. The Jewish communities did little educa- About this time the Zionist society in Stock- tionally to combat this pattern, relying upon holm produced an internal sheet in Swedish, a one-day weekly after-school instruction in entitled "Bulletins".3 It attempted to inform preparation for a church-like "confirmation". the membership of what was occurring in lo- The immigrants objected to the absence of cal and international Jewry and urged increased the Hebrew language from the school curri- contributions to the various collections. In typ- culum and the existence of a symbolic Bar ical Jewish fashion members were encouraged Mitzvah ceremony consisting of little more than to celebrate a joyous occasion by contributing a Swedish reading. During this time Sunday money to the Jewish National Fund (rather services, almost completely devoid of any than a general Jewish charity). Thus, at the Hebrew prayers, had replaced Sabbath worship circumcision of the son of S. Glück celebrated in importance. on 11 Dec. 1910, 6.53 Swedish Crowns = There were many who realized that some- 7.35 Marks were colledted.4 At the wedding thing had to be done to help Jews survive of Miss Friedman and Mr. Dworetzki, 7.055 culturally in Scandinavia. A new opportunity were contributed. Such occasions and collections presented itself because an immigration was were rather frequent but the grand result of taking place. The Zionist magazine, "Ha- all these small donations was not very re- Olam"1 reports: "In recent times some four markable. The following chart is taken from thousand Jews from Russia have come to settle "Die Welt", 31 January 1913, number 5, p. in Sweden. These Jews are travelling peddlers 157: who journey with their merchandise. The Swe- dish Merchant's Organization has turned to 1912 1911 1910 the government with the request that it employ Sweden 968.26 m. 171.18 m. 292.76 m. the applicable means against these Jews. This organization calls upon the government to re- (Proportionately, the paper estimated that turn all Jews who engage in trade without Sweden and Denmark rated very high. Esti- possessing national citizenship to their home- mating that together the two countries had land." about 5,000 Jews, the 1300 marks that they This new Yiddish-speaking population may had collected in 1912 averaged out to about account for the appearance of two Yiddish 26 pfenning person. It was a sad comment publications at this time in Copenhagen.2 The that this placed them fifth highest in the first Yiddish paper in Scandinavia was called world).6 "Das Wochen Blatt". It began publication on The Stockholm Club's large assembly took 21 May 1911 and while the paper clearly place monthly but people came much more fre- claimed that it was not politically committed quently to the club-house and often used the to any one position or party, it regularly pub- growing Zionist library. Generally the program lished materials that could be called pro-Zion- consisted of a lecture or a musical presenta- ist. Subscription cost 4 Danish Crowns for tion. Sometimes the topic could generate a those living in Denmark and 5 cr. for those great deal of heat when it struck close to home outside the country. Its printer was Mr. I. Liti- — like the rabbi question or the artide in schevskij, who also produced a shortlived se- Stockholm's influential daily newspaper, Da- cond journal called "Der Judischer Student", gens Nyheter (8.1.1911). This paper reported first appearing in December 1912. The latter, the interview with Kiasum Nami Bey which while published by "Forlag das Wochen Blatt" had appeared in a publication called "Impar- (The Wochen Blatt publishing Co.), was tial" and was quite devastating to the Jewish really a magazine for young Russian Jews study- national cause in its article, "Zionism and ing throughout Europe. Indeed the first edi- Turkey". Upset by this attack, the Stockholm tion asks for the formation of a union of the Zionist leadership wrote to the central office, various Jewish Student Unions outside the then still in Köln (Cologne).7 A reply was country (Russia). Its price per edition was forwarded by the WZO to the newspaper which listed as 50 cents, 20 kopics, 40 pfennig. Be- printed it on 22 January 1911. cause of censorship and insurmountable tech- The Stockholm Zionists har developed a nical difficulties the magazine ceased publica- sense of responsibility toward the other groups tion with numbers 4-5, March—April 1913. in Scandinavia. Moritz Tarschis had traveled

14 to Oslo (Kristiania). Even earlier, on 12 No- Stockholm, the host, had the largest contin- vember 1911, the chairman of the Stockholm gent, 10 in attendance. Apparantly M. Kas- society, Dr. L. Turitz, lectured in Gothen- dan, one of the founders of the Stockholm burgs and helped organize a dub there. The society and a member of the Stockholm dele- 45 members elected his brother, H. G. Turitz, gation, was instructed to vote with Kristiania. and L. Jacobsson, G. Jacobsson and S. Aus- He appears twice on the list of 17 names and frinsky to the executive board. As in Stockholm "Die Welt"12 is, therefore, correct in its re- the community Rabbi, Dr. Koch, opposed its port that 16 representatives actually participated establishment. in the conference. About this time, an undated mimeographed The chairman of Stockholm's society, Dr. L. eleven page brochure in Swedish was prepared, Turitz, opened the conference with an histor- outlining the basic ideas of Zionism and, ical lecture explaining Zionist theory and also equally important, explaning all the various relating how the first congress had come to activities then being directed by the World pass. Dr. G. Bloede, the representative of the Zionist Organization.9 The list was obviously Actions Committee, then spoke. The proto- made to inform the Zionist and general reader cols13 summarize his speech: but also tries to give the member of a Zionist Mr. G Bloede transmitted to the conference society a sense of participation in a world- greetings from "A.C.", the Zionist central lea- wide effort, even though he may live in an dership. He said that the Actions Committee isolated corner of what might be called "The was very pleased that the First Zionist Con- Jewish World". It also indicates what the Zion- ference of Scandinavia was being held and ist movement was able to achieve in slightly that they hoped that the session would achieve more than a decade. That the brochure was its goals. "A.C. urged the formative Scandi- prepared about the beginning of 1912 is evident navian Union to hold rigidly to the basic from a reference to the Jewish National Fund principles of Zionism, in no way to preach a and its conclusion. watered down "Radunones" (compassion) Zionism but rather to build upon pure, national ... Since we have succeeded in such a short time foundations." The speech ended with the en- in building local societies in those larger cities of couragement to strengthen themselves as he Sweden where Jewish inhabitants are to be found, called out the Hebrew motto "Be Strong, Be Nordic Zionist Union we now plan to establish a Strong and Courageous (Chasak, Chasak, Wä- (underlined in the original). Then the fruit of our Zionist work will show itself and then we shall mez)". Lively applause followed the speech. be (a source of) blessing and good fortune for all Dr. Gerson Bloede apparently made a fine Jews living in the Nordic lands . , 10 impression upon all he met and again proved that Zionism's leaders were not only immi- The plans for a Scandinavian Union began to grant Eastern European Jews but also men of take concrete form in late 1912 when all the western education and "delicate culture". Mo- constituent organizations were contacted. Stock- ritz Tarschis indicated years later that the Zion- holm, then, wrote to the Zionist Actions Com- ists began to observe a slight groping and mittee requesting them to send a representa- approaching on the part of Swedish Jews.14 tive to attend a First Scandinavian Zionist Con- The conference then organized itself for the ference. It was also suggested that he visit the business meetings. They combined the delega- various member cities and lecturell in each tes from Copenhagen and Kristiania plus M. before departing Scandinavia. This proposal Kasdan, considering them as representatives was approved and Dr. Gerson Bloede of Ham- for both cities and entitling them to six votes. burg was selected to be the A.C. representa- Then followed the reports from each of the tive. constituents. On Sunday, 5 January 1913, the First Scan- Josef Nachemsohn began by describing the dinavian Zionist Congress was opened at 12 history of the Danish Zionist Society: "The noon at the Hotel Kronprinsen in Stockholm. club was weak to begin with but was built Josef Nachemsohn had come from Denmark. up to a membership of 100 and sent two Two delegates, Leopold Oster and M. Kasdan, delegates to the Sixth Zionist Congress. There- represented Kristiania (Norway). Four repre- after its membership sank to about half its sentatives had come from Gothenburg and former strength". They had recently played 15 major role in establishing a Hebrew School Stockholm has already been recorded. He did Society in Copenhagen. The Jewish National add that M. Kasdan had taken the initiative Fund work was also progressing well there with Josef Nachemsohn of Copenhagen in and some 750 additional crowns had been col- founding the original Stockholm society, which lected for the "Genossenschaftsfonden". But opened with about 20 members. In its first he admitted that the publicity and the debate year they raised 300 cr. for the national fund which should come from a Zionist organiza- (1910). During 1911 they published a Swed- tion in Copenhagen was very limited; indeed ish translation of Dr. Herzl's brochure "Mau- weak. schel" and when the rumors about the Young He was followed by Mr. Leopold Oster of Turks' opposition to Zionism spread in Swed- Kristiania who remarked that some 10 years en, mainly through the Dagens Nyheter ar- earlier Cantor A. S. Tarschis (sic) had tried ticle, the society formed study circles, which to establish a Zionist organization. Interest was have continued to function taking up Zionist limited and when Tarschys (as it should read) history and, later, general Jewish history for departed, nothing more was done until Rabbi discussion. "The society sent out a bulletin Dr. M. Aschkenazi again tried and failed. (rundskrifvelse) to some 20 places in Swed- "About 2 years ago a Dutchman and 1 1/2 years en, Norway and Finland at the end of its ago a German (a Mr. Hollander who much second year (1911), containing in abbreviated later established a firm in Stockholm) worked form details pertaining to Zionism's beginning, for Zionism and both succeeded in forming development, essence and goal. The result of a society, which then disbanded thereafter". this work was that a Zionist society was esta- The present society consisting of 35 members blished in Kristiania and another will shortly has been able to survive only because the Swed- take form in Trondhjem.15 The society has ish Zionist Society in Stockholm has sent also translated into Swedish the most impor- speakers to them and distributed materials tant speeches delivered at the 10th Zionist throughout the year 1912. Congress. It now has 145 members ..." Gothenburg's report was read by Mr. L. Those assembled decided unanimously to Jacobson. He related how the society was form a Scandinavian Zionist Union (Skandi- established on 19 Nov. 1911 on the initiative naviskt zionistförbund) and elected a com- of the Stockholm club. About 90 members mittee to draft the by-laws. J. Nachemsohn joined at that time and the society constituted (Copenhagen), J. Kirschon (Gothenburg), M. itself with a body of by-laws patterned on Kasdan (for Kristiania), G. Grünewald (Stock- those guiding Stockholm's organization. In the holm) and M. Tarschis (Stockholm), chair- course of time the Zionist organization has man, met after the first day's business ses- become strong and has, through propaganda sions which closed when the assembled sang and discussion, succeeded in overcoming some "Hatikvah". of the initial opposition. He thanked Dr. L. The second day's proceeding, again under Turitz for his lectures, assistance and advice. the chairmanship of Dr. L. Turitz, began with The speaker told about Chanukkah celebrations Hatikvah and then turned to the telegrams of and other programs of Jewish song and dance greeting from F. Kamras, Malmö, the Swe- and reviewed the society's contributions to var- dish Zionist Society of Gothenburg, and the ious charities in addition to the usual Nation- Norwegian Zionist Society of Kristiania. Mr. al Fund collections. Kurt Blumenfeld's visit G. Grünewald read the rules proposed by the of 14 April 1912 had been a great boost. The by-laws committee, which were unanimously protocol then concludes with this paragraph: accepted by the conference. They elected the "In September 1912 they acquired a new locale following persons to the Union's executive for the club where magazines, newspapers and board: L. Turitz, M. Tarschis, G. Grünewald brochures in German and Jargon (Yiddisch) (Stockholm) ; Nachemsohn (Copenhagen) ; are available. Members meet there twice weekly Siew (Kristiania); and L. Jacobson (Gothen- to read and discuss Zionist topics and the burg). Alternates were S. Glück and I. Abel meetings are marked by a feeling of warmth (Stockholm). Thereafter the Central Fund (gemytlighet) . At present they have 115 mem- boardl6, The National Fund board17 and the bers." accountants's were elected. Most of what M. Tarschis then related about After a ten minute pause the debate con-

16 tinued with J. Nachemsohn in the chair. The . JNF topic raised by Herman Elliot was the ques- 1910 about 275 cr. tion of publicity to change the anti-zionism 1911 about 450 cr. of the various Jewish communities. This led 1912 about 850 cr. (200 from Gothenburg) to a discussion about fostering a more inten- Schekel sive Jewish education for children and youth. 1910 90 members 50 cr. A resolution calling for the exploiting of every 1911 88 members 60 cr. educational means to spread the Zionist idea 1912 145 members 70 cr. was passed. The meeting then took up the problem of East European Jews in Scandinavian lands in Scandinavia before the next World Zionist and resolved to try to influence them toward Congress. He concluded by urging all to work Zionism by joining their clubs and organiza- for the Jewish people's national new birth in tions. The Zionists should try to approach the old homeland, Palestine. "Hatikvah" was them through Yiddisch and should make use sung and the meeting adjurned at 6 PM.19 of the literature available in that language. Dr. Bloede was asked to remain and assist S. Tarschys initiated a discussion of the posi- the Stockholm society in its conflict with the tion of the Hebrew language and its study anti-Zionist Jewish Community. Just a few days in Scandinavia. He declared that the national before the conference Professor G. Klein had tongue should be revived and concluded his written an article for the newspaper "Afton- speech with a "lefve" (a cheer, y'chi, "May bladet" entitled "Why a Swedish Jew Cannot it live") for the Hebrew language. Shortly be a Zionist". Bloede composed a long reply thereafter a resolution was passed — "The in German which was translated into Swedish First Scandinavian Zionist Conference has de- and appeared in that well-read newspaper on cided to sponsor the building of Hebrew 14 Jan. 1913. He called his reply — "Why School Organizations. It is incumbent upon Jews Are Zionists". The author concluded: the Union's executive board to support by word and act every Zionist society belonging It is true that Zionism demands work, sacrifice, dedication — in short, youthfulness in spirit, above to the Union working toward the establish- all. He who no longer has this youthfulness and ment of the above mentioned school organi- senses himself to be little and weak, is not mature zations." enough to participate in this effort. "He who does Mr. G. Grünewald proposed that the Union not believe in himself, always lies" says Nietzsche. publish its own magazine and presented a cost Zionism believes in itself. It knows that we Jews estimate. Unanimously the assembled agreed are a people and that we, ourselves, will create our upon the following: "The First Scandinavian own values. Here is a people fighting for its doc- Zionist Conference has decided to produce trine and for its freedom. The Swedish Jew will its own organ in the form of a magazine. also place himself in the Zionist line and jump into the fray to the degree that he is a Jew and Because its own resources do not permit it at in so far as he possesses youth. He cannot remain present to publish, it suggests the building of inactive while the Jewish longing strives power- a corporation with 100 shares, at the cost of fully to express itself; when a new day rises over 5 Crowns each. It decides to give the execu- the homeland's ancient shores." tive committee the task of attending to the acquisition of such a magazine. Under the article appeared the following an- Reports by I. Abel and S. Glück then follow- nouncement: "The above article was provided ed about National Fund and Schekel collec- by the Swedish Zionist Union as a contributions (see table). tion to the debate on this question." The Conference then voted to try to increase Schekel sales, adding that a campaign should be conducted, even among non-Zionists. "Zionisten" Dr. G. Bloede's second speech concluded the conference. At this time he spoke on the The fourth resolution passed at the First Scan- political situation, emphasizing the work in Pal- dinavian Zionist Conference called upon the estine. He emphasized the importance of Sche- executive to produce a monthly publication. kel sales and hoped that 800 would be sold There were three major problems — staff, ma- 17 terial and financing. The first was solved when Moritz Tarschis about arranging for a "show- Leopold Turitz, chairman of the Stockholm ing", in Stockholm. The intention, of course, society and a university graduate, agreed to was to sell the merchandise on display and accept editorship. To solve the second problem, Tarschis logically concluded that the best loc- the publication needed articles of interest on ation for combining art and commerce would an academic level so that non-Zionists might be a high-quality department store. Tarschis, be attracted as well as young Jewish academic- therefore, replied21 (on 20 May 1913) sug- ians who were the children of immigrants. gesting that the Bezalel Office write directly In this Turitz recognized his own limitations to Mr. Josef Sachs, director of Nordiska Kom- and turned to the Berlin Central office of the paniet of Stockholm, Sweden's largest depart- Zionist movement.20 They, in turn, contacted ment store of that type. Mr. Sachs was a well several outstanding personalities and asked known merchant and a member of the Jewish them to contribute articles to the Swedish Zion- community. Unfortunately the file is silent ist publication. Many did, indeed, reply and about whether this display ever did take place. keep their word. Thus in the first edition of I would venture to guess that it did not be- the magazine, Robert Weltsch of Prague, a cause all other Zionist sources of the time young intellectual and a collegue of Martin are silent. In any event 50 copies of the Be- Buber, wrote "At the Crossroads". Likewise zalel yearly report were forwarded to Tarschis the lesser known Adolf Stand, Lemberg, made but nothing is recorded as to what he did several contributions, "Theodore Herzl" and with them. "The Modern Jew". These translations proved In 1913 the Zionist work in Palestine was to be the highlights of "Zionisten" but editor- progressing slowly but steadily. The Second ials, news and many other articles were supp- Aliyah (immigration) had already created the lied by Stockholm talent. kibbutz as a form for communal toiling of the The third problem, financing, proved in- soil and many Zionist cultural and financial surmountable. I have not been able to locate projects had begun their arduous development. any financial records for that time but there The all Jewish city of Tel Aviv had already is reason to assume that the First Scandinavian pushed out haphazardly in several directions. Zionist Conference did raise enough money to "Zionisten" wanted to communicate all this begin publication but that the public response to a very ignorant Swedish public. But to tell never reached the subscription level necessary its story, the publication had to first get that for survival. After the "stock" money was con- public interested in reading and this it could sumed, the publication could not continue. not achieve. Its failure to win subscribers 1913 seemed to be a good year to initiate points to the indifference of its non-readers. a Swedish magazine about Zionism. People The major magazines of the Zionist move- were talking about Palestine. The Professor of ment had a common format, generally pre- Exegetics at Lund University, Erik Aurelius, ferred by both editor and reader. First came had published a book, "Palestinabilder" (Pal- one or several editorials, followed by articles estine pictures) about his journeys through the and lastly news. The latter was usually broken Holy Land and even though he did not take up into three categories: Jewish news from up the problems of Jewish colonization, it did around the world; in the movement; and on make believing Protestants of Sweden aware of the local plane. Naturally the larger publica- Palestine as a living reality. The last chapter, tions like "HaOlam" in Hebrew and "Die telling about the peasants from Dalarna who Welt" in German, writing for a world-wide had settled in Jerusalem was, naturally, very audience, omitted the latter category, including exciting for the Swedish reader. recent events in Russia or Germany under one There was also another Swedish-Palestine of the other two categories. "Zionisten", a matter of interest in the wind. As mentioned local organ, devoted considerable space to Scan- . in an undated manuscript and the part of that dinavian events. It is, therefore, an excellent document which appeared in Zionisten, Vol. 1, but shortlived source for Scandinavian Zion- nr. 1, the Israel commercial Art School, Be- ist history. zalel, often displayed its creations in the larger The first edition appeared in July 1913 and cities of Europe and America. The Bezalel the publication survived until almost the end Organization in Berlin had recently contacted of the year, Oct-Nov 1913 (numbers 4 and

18 Country Total M General Collection Collcetion Golden Book National Olive trees donations boxes books Fund markers Denmark 370.33 7.85 70.12 — 204 58.33 22.03 Sweden 968.26 173.20 323.55 95.67 186.84 76.91 109.39

5).22 The magazine, in order to make its exis- and that it collected 275 cr. during the first tence known to both Zionists and non-Zionists, year and 450 cr. in 1911. During the past was actually sent gratis to all known Jews in few years the blue boxes have become popular Scandinavia. It went to both members and and some 75 have been distributed in Stock- non-members of the Jewish communities.23 holm, Gothenburg and the provinces. An After the free first copy all subsequent num- appeal for the Central fund follows but this bers cost 25 öre each (double numbers — 50 is succeeded by a special drive. The magazine öre). cites another appeal, published in Berlin, by The cover page was striking. Above the the "Society of Jewish Doctors and Scientists title, "Zionisten", there was a picture of an With Sanitary Interests in Palestine". This elderly, broken man in a black skullcap sitting appeal asks every Jew to donate money, at behind a cirde of thorns. Behind him stands least 6 marks — minimal membership contri- a young, manly angel with a six-pointed star bution — to improve the sanitation of Jewish across the chest of his white robe. The angel's colonies. It notes that many Eastern Jews are right hand rests upon the elder's shoulder going to Palestine to avoid persecution and while the left hand points in the same direc- need assistance in starting anew. Among the tion as his large left wing — toward a strong signatories are hundreds of doctors and schol- farmer, also with a skullcap, plowing with a ars, mostly non-Zionists, among them Prof. pair of oxen away from the angel directly Dr. G. Klein of Stockholm and Prof. Dr. D. into a rising sun. The angel's right wing, like Simonsen, Copenhagen. his right hand, encircles the tired old man Of interest to Scandinavians in number 2, who leans heavily on his cane. The imagery appearing in August 1913, is an unsigned ar- symbolizes a spiritual rebirth on and through tide about Religious Judaism and Zionism, in- the soil which will occur on a new day. This, dicating that Liberal Judaism leads to assimil- of course, is the Zionist dream and goal and ation. The local news which follows tells about it is to this hope that "Zionisten" is devoted. a Herzl memorial evening held at the small The first editorial notes that Zionism's goal synagogue on Skansgatan in Gothenburg and is not well known in certain lands, among about the Sch'kalim sales throughout the them Scandinavia. It insists that Zionists and country. It is noted that Mr. Felländer of Karl- non-Zionists will benefit from the existence stad sold 10 and Mr. H. Mossesson of Wäxiö, of a Zionist magazine which will clarify the 6. The report concludes by reminding that 400 issues. To this goal "Zionisten" dedicates it- Sch'kalim must be sold in order to send one self. Thereafter follows the article by Robert Scandinavian delegate to the congress and urges Weltsch, "At the Crossroads" and another each Jew to buy at least one. After the results by Henrich Loewe, "How Zionism Began". of the Central Fund collections and news from The news section tells about the forthcoming Palestine and around the world, the following 11th Zionist Congress in Vienna (2-9 Sep- appears on p. 36: tember), events in Palestine and finally international occurances. An article by Mr. N. To the 11th Congress B. Joseph, apparantly not a translation, tells The Zionist organization in Scandinavia asks that about Moses Mendelssohn and Johan Caspar as many persons as possible remember to forward Lavater and their correspondence about Ju- greetings to the forthcoming Jewish People's Parlia- daism and Christianity. ment (sic) on 2 and 3 September and that they Jewish life in Scandinavia follows with a use Jewish National Fund telegram forms ... These telegrams will be acknowledged in "Die Welt" and report about the 1912 National Fund collec- those from Scandinavia will be published in Zionis- tions (see table). ten. P. 14 related that the Jewish National Fund In order to make the Jewish National Fund tele- began its work in Sweden on 1 April 1910 gram even more popular, the JNF committee has 19 decided to publish in "Zionisten' the names of all news follows and the decision of the 11th who send such greetings to weddings or other fes- congress to found a university in Jerusalem is tive occasions. Forms may be obtained from the noted. Thereafter the magazine prints the local National Fund committee." lengthy speeches of Pres. Prof. Otto Warburg, Nahum Sokolow and Schmarya Levin. Consid- The magazine repeats the appeal for the ering the financial insolvency of "Zionisten", improvement of sanitation in Palestine and it is diffecult to understand why many pages lists the names of all contributors from Scan- are devoted to these speeches rather than em- dinavia. Donors were Prof. Klein, Prof. Karl ploying the same space for additional number Warburg; Gothenburg, Dr. G. Koch; Malmö, or numbers of the magazine. The Swedish Rabbi Dr. J. Wohlstein; Copenhagen, Prof. texts of these talks consume forty pages. In Harald Goldschmidt, Prof. Dr. I. Rosenthal, any event, the last page of the final edition Prof. Carl Jul. Salomonsen, Prof. D. Simon- reports the Jewish National Fund collections. sen. The article adds that the organization Contributions are noted from Oskarshamn, plans to open an institute for bacteriological Malmö, Norrköping and Trondhjem, all but and microscopic diagnosis and to fight malaria, the last (45 cr.) being very small amounts. trachoma and will concern itself with child With this final page "Zionisten" ceases to care and school hygiene. Membership, it re- appear. minds the reader, costs 6 marks. Number 3 of "Zionisten" tells about the Stockholm society's first meeting after the Before The War summer vacation and its preparations for the coming year. At the club room (in Hotel The lot of Swedish Jewry has been to be Kronprinsen) they planned for the forthcoming numerically and politically insignificant except High Holydays and the Minyan to be held for periods of world conflict and immediately at Odeon, Brunkebergsgatan 3 II. A. S. Tar- thereafter, until order replaces chaos. This role schis (sic) agreed to serve as cantor again and is easily explained. Sweden's neutrality has to do so without salary, donating all funds enabled humanitarian rescue actions to pro- to the Zionist society. An entrance fee 2 cr. cede from that peaceful land and to penetrate per man and 1 cr. per woman would be charg- deep into the areas of bloodshed where the ed. The meeting was to be concluded with persecuted, the war victims and the injured a lecture by Moritz Tarschis on the 11th Con- innocent bystanders could all be helped. Since gres. In the meanwhile Gothenburg had two Jews, unfortunately, have suffered far more meetings 14 August and 2 September. This than their numbers should have evoked by the edition also contains an article by Dr. J. Tschle- laws of probability, they have often been the now about the Jews in Finland. recipients of such succor, much of which has The same number also carried an article come through, if not from, Sweden. It was about the importance of the Hebrew language. thus during both the world wars which ravaged It urges people to study Hebrew which it con- Europe in the first half of the 20th century. siders as important for a Zionist as donating Until July 1914 the Scandinavian Zionist money. I note this as an indication of the Union continued its lackadaisical path. The society's desire to put into practice the resolu- Second Scandinavian Zionist Congress scheduled tion of the First Scandinavian Zionist Confer- for 4-6 January 1914 was postponed even ence. An even more concrete effort was made though paragraph 12 of the Union's regulations in Stockholm in 1915 when Iwriah was form- called for an annual meeting. In December ed. This school society is outside the scope 1913 Moritz Tarschis24 wrote to the Central of this paper. Office in Berlin requesting the attendance of The fourth printing, Oct.—Nov. 1913, be- a member of the Actions Committee at the gins with an editorial lamenting how difficult projected second annual conference to be held it is to publish "Zionisten" despite its great this time in Copenhagen. Dr. Gerson Bloede's importance. The editor bewails the shortage of visit had meant a great deal for all who had money and the absence of assistants. He notes attended the previous year and his speeches that 5 numbers have appeared and calls for in Stockholm and Copenhagen had been very aid so that the magazine not die. The world well received. A similar tour was expected

20 of this year's representative, with the unex- one of their members and their reply condudes pressed hope of including Gothenburg and the correspondence on this matter. maybe even Norway this time. Unfortunately In March 1914 Marcus Ehrenpreis was elec- the reply of 7 Dec. 1913 from Berlin was com- ted Rabbi in Stockholm. On the 17th Tar- pletely negative. The Actions Committee had schis wrote to Berlin that the vote count had too many activities and yearly reports to pre- been 35 (for) and 6 (against), a rather min- pare before the year's end to spare even a nuscule participation considering that some 500 single member. They suggested that the Berlin were eligible to cast a ballot. Tarschis adds Office supply the conference with a detailed that he is very pleased and hopeful for the written report of political, economic and soc- future, especially after Eherenpreis, during his ial activities of the past year, which could visit, had personally spoken with some out- instead be read by a local person, thus replacing standing Swedish-Jewish cultural personalities, a guest speaker but providing new material. all of whom were taken with the Rabbi. A This report was actually prepared and for- month later, 19 April 1914, Tarschis again warded as an express letter, received by M. wrote to inform Berlin that the Zionist soc- Tarschis on 2 Jan. 1914. iety was still alive, having just held its an- The report is an important document for nual elections. He was now chairman. J. Levy Zionist history and did indirectly influence was vice chairman, H. Schapira, secretary, S. the Stockholm society. It is concerned mainly Glück, treasurer, P. Kleineman, M. Kasdan with the Kulturkampf then being waged in and A. Pomedel (?) completing the board. Palestine between the Zionists and the repre- He also lists the National Fund committee sentatives of the Hilfsverein der deutschen Ju- members, the library committee and finally the den, a very important German-Jewish philan- "festkommitte", responsible for organizing thropic organization. The Zionists had already celebrations. On all these lists new names are enjoyed limited success in sponsoring Hebrew to be found, indicating that a transition had as the language of instruction in Palestinian been taking place after the unsuccessful con- schools. The Hilfsverein wanted German to be clusion of 1913. the language of instruction. The Yishuv This exchange of letters then took a very (settlement), as the Zionists called Jewish Pal- strange turn. On 26 Juni 1914 a letter was estine at the time, was being torn by the cul- forwarded to Tarschis remarking that if Ehren- tural battle and the Zionist Actions Committee preis was elected, good, but if not, they should was, then, engaged in an intensive campaign push for the nomination of Dr. Joseph in Stolp, to support the movement's demand for Hebrew who had previously rejected the candidacy. at this critical moment. The note conveys a slight feeling of doubt Tarschis' letter of 7 Jan. 1914 omits this concerning Marcus Ehrenpreis' Zionist loyalty. international concern and concentrates on loc- Tarschis, obviously confused, replied that al matters. He writes that Turitz is ill. Grüne- his letter of 17 March had reported Ehren- wald is completely negative and these leaders preis' election. The Stockholm Zionists had have not actively participated in the society's already written several letters to him in Sofia work during the past 5 or 6 months. A few and he had responded, promising to meet volunteers, Mrs. S. Abel and Mr. M. Kas- with them when he commenced his duties in dan, have been helpful. "Zionisten" which has September. Tarschis also adds that a Dr. Feuer consumed so much money and effort has prov- had spoken at the Rodef Chesed traditional en unsuccessful and has had to be dropped. Synagogue in Stockholm where some 50 per- He then adds that he has not written this let- sons attended. ter to complain but rather to ask for new help Two brief final comments about Stockholm's from Berlin in reactivating the society. It is, new Chief Rabbi and his Zionist affiliations he observes, rather obvious why the decision and loyalties: The file containing all the above to postpone the Second Scandinavian Zionist noted letters also has a correspondence from Conference was reached. Without a representa- Nachum Sokolow to Mr. Josef Nachemsohn tive of the Actions Committee the Zionists of Copenhagen on 23 June. Sokolow reminds will not get the inspiration from the sessions Nachemsohn of their conversation in London that they now need for renewal. Unfortunately about Eherenpreis and asks that he be inform- the Actions Committee still could not spare ed as to what has happened in the interim. 21 He wants to know if Ehrenpreis had arranged already raging on the continent. Rather quickly for the election himself or if another had con- Stockholm was changing from an insignificant tacted him. Unfortunately the reply, if written, Zionist outpost to an international center. Tar- does not appear with the other letters. schis later recalled: 27 And lastly, the beginning of the Zionist estrangement from the new Rabbi for whom World War came in 1914. With that, Swedish they did so much is evident from a comparison Zionism entered a new phase. Zionism received a of two sources, both unpublished. In Tarschis' more stable, broader platform. Jews, driven by the "25 Years of Zionism in Stockholm" the author wind from East, South and West arrived here — among them were many intelligent and good com- writes on p. 13: "Who still remembers a patriots who wanted to be of service and were. delightful Chanukkah celebration? It was 1914 Stockholm became a central point for Zionism. and Jewish "small-fry" (småttingar), for the Everything begann to assume huge proportions and very first time, sang and declamed in He- there began to appear contours of something big. brew ..." Thousands of Jews tried to get in touch with rel- About same time a letter25 was written by atives and friends and it was only natural that Marcus Ehrenpreis in Hebrew to the executive they should turn to the Stockholm affiliate of the of the Zionist Society of Stockholm (Vaad Zionist movement to make these contacts. I still have in my possession three completely filled address Agudat Hatsiyonim). It is dated the 8th day books containing the addresses of Jewish families of Chanukkah 1914 and reads: in Germany and Russia. These pages testify to many and varying fates, of people who were torn Thank you for your much appreciated invitation to from daily activities by war. Parents sought children participate in the Chanukkah celebration of your and children, their parents. society. I very much regret that I have another The Zionist organization, widely branched in just invitation — from the Swedish Academy — to par- those lands at war, seemed to be falling apart. Ber- ticipate in its annual celebration, on the very same lin could not correspond with Petersburg and Mos- evening. I cannot come to your festivities as I would cow — and not with London and New York either. like. I would especially enjoy hearing the youth Stockholm's organization became the connecting link. speaking and singing in Hebrew. "Be strong and From that time — 1 August 1914 until the end of good courage" and continue on this path. In- of the year — all Zionist activities of note were deed, the revival of the Hebrew spirit will come organized through Stockholm. I still have some because such is a necessity." With honor and with 50 telegrams from the leadership in Berlin which the greetings of the revival, Mordecai Ehrenpreis. were transmitted to important Jewish centers: to New York, Moscow, Petersburg, Bordeaux, Seville, I am certain that the board of the Zionist Madrid. A few examples: — I cabled a telegram society was disappointed by this corresponden- to Schmarya Levin, who was then in America and ce. They likely reasoned that the new Rabbi could not return to Europe. In that telegram the would have many future opportunities to attend American Zionist Organization requested power-of- attorney to take over the direction of the World the annual Nobel Prize festivities during his Zionist Organisation. Confirmation was received from years in Stockholm while Zionist celebrations Louis Brandeis, one of America's most prominent would not always fall on the 10th of Decem- Zionists, a member of the U.S. Supreme Court. ber. In addition, as Ehrenpreis' letter indicat- Brandeis became the president of the organization ed, the Hebraic content and form of that and Schmarya Levin, its chairman. Even relief work year's program was certainly a novelty for for Jewish war victims was organized through us. Stockholm. As would happen many times Through me, the sad news of the death of David during the more than thirty years of his rab- Wolffsohn (Herzl's successor as president of the binate, secular values would clash with Zion- World Zionist Organization) reached the Jewish world. Telegrams went to Moscow, Petersburg, War- ist values. From the very beginning the new saw, London, New York, Cape Town. Rabbi indicated that he would not always be A Zionist Conference was called in Copenhagen. loyal to the latter. I still have telegrams stating that "Nahum" (So- kolow) was coming; that "Jechiel" (Tschlenow) was delayed, that "Jabo" (Jabotinsky) was on his The Outbreak of War and a New Role way... When Chanukkah was celebrated in Stockholm These reminiscences convey the sense of in December 1914, the First World War was urgency and importance that permeated Stock-

22 holm's Zionist society throughout the war ference to which Tarschis made mention. years and extended throughout most of 1919. That body decided to establish a Zionist Much of that history is beyond the chronolo- bureau in neutral Copenhagen which would gical scope of this paper but I do hope to stand administratively under the Head Office winnow through the available material and in Berlin, where Otto Warburg and Arthur record it at some later date. Hantke would remain in charge. Victor Ja- The international role that Tarschis played cobson, who had been in Berlin, was dispatch- in mediating between the main offices of the ed to Constantinople and Dr. Leo Motzkin WZO began in August. I have found no cor- was assigned the Copenhagen Bureau, which respondence from that time, but the letter he directed until the end of 1916 when Vic- from Rosenblüth written on 2 September 1914 tor Jacobson took over. As indicated above is obviously a continuation of a correspondance this office was not intended to be a rival to the that began the month before. (July is precluded centers in Berlin, London and New York but since war broke out at its very end). rather a connecting link between the Head Rosenblüth has obviously asked Tarschis to Office and the Zionist federations located in forward a telegram on his behalf and to serve belligerent or neutral lands.30 as temporary mid-station for telegrams to and The Copenhagen Bureau of the Zionist Or- from Berlin. Tarschis has agreed and has ac- ganization opened several weeks after this tually sent several telegrams during August. meeting and by the beginning of 1915 Stock- This is dear from the letter of 2 September : holm's intermediating could be disposed with. Until that time some very important messages We have received your letter of 28 August and were transmitted through Moritz Tarschis. On deeply thank you for the friendly expedition of 2 September 1914 the following message, in our wish. We are very appreciative because your French, arrived in Stockholm and was for- comradly willingness makes it possible for us to warded, arriving in Berlin on 3 September : 31 retain contact and it is our hope that you will permit us to make yet another use of it. To support the zionist organization and its insti- Especially interesting for us was the information tutions have formed here a provisional internation- about the telegrams that you have sent on behalf al Palestine committee by means of a special zion- of Dr. Tschlenow to Prof. Warburg. We have not ist conference in conjunction with the actions com- received these telegrams. It would be interesting mittee. Brandeis president. A letter follows. Publi- to learn from you the place from which Dr. Tschle- cize the news. Schmarja Levin. now sent them. We are now completely without news about his present address ... And on the very same day that Levin's telegram reached Berlin, the head office had posted The remainder of this letter concerns itself a letter to Tarschis asking that he telegram with payment for telegrams and the question Levin immediately. The Berlin office was al- of private requests by various officials. In- most bankrupt and asked that funds from Ame- deed, this letter concludes somewhat imper- rica be forwarded to "Kann" and then trans- tinently, questioning whether Tarschis wants fered again to Berlin. Ruppin, who was the to be paid for these services. He, in reply, administrator of Zionist efforts in Palestine refused remuneration. was also without funds. The exact text of the Josef Nachemsohn in Copenhagen was also telegram reads: engaged in a similar service.28 Apparently the office in Berlin felt it better to divide the tel- Zionists Levin New York 142 Henry Street. Here egrams, which must have been numerous con- without money. Please send immediately our Ameri- sidering the seriousness of the separation and can funds eventually over Kann. Schools without the lack of preparation for this eventuality. money. Please organize collections. Ruppin suggests It is, therefore, surprising that the General voyage Jellin America. Cable Ruppin your decision. Council of the World Zionist Organization Warburg. waited so long before reacting to the new situation. Its first meeting following the out- The Zionist organization had developed a break of the war was held in Copenhagen on telegraph code, the explanations of which were 3-6 December 1914,29 that is, four months revealed on a "need-to-know" basis. Moritz after hostilities were initiated. It is this con- Tarschis had in his possession a small copy

23 book in which these abreviations were trans- a parallel to "Die Welt" and "HaOlam", but lated. This copy book is now owned by his it might be a code name in this instance. son, Mr. F. B. Tarschis of Tel Aviv. The Either possibility is likely. The same applies word "Kann" is one of those code references, to HaTsefira (as we would transcribe the the exact meaning of which I do not know. name in English today), which was a Hebrew The word "eventually" in the telegram seems literary magazine. I do not know if the inten- strange to a person whose mother tongue is tion here was to notify the Jewish press or if English. But its appearance in the telegram the magazine titles like "Kolonialbank" (which is clarified when one remembers that the auth- was located in England) were code names re- or's native tongue was German, for whom presenting outspoken Russian and English Zion- "eventual" would suggest not "time when" ists. It is well to remember that England and but rather "perhaps". Russia were both at war with Germany and The telegram apparently had important con- the censor might mutilate the message should sequences. American neutrality not only enabled he suspect 'contact with the enemy". I do not funds to reach Germany to overcome the im- know who Clarence Sola33 was. mediate crisis there but opened the way for Despite the many uncertainties, the message American philanthropic efforts on behalf of of the telegram is clear. The various Zionist the Jews in Palestine, which very soon reached centers and their leaders are to be informed very sizeable proportions. Here is the be- of Wolffsohn's demise. ginning of the replacement of German insti- On 9 November a self-explanatory telegram tutions in Palestine by American charities. This reached Stockholm: American assumption of responsibility was later to affect Sweden. American transfer of Levin and provisional committe insist absolutely funds was temporarily severed when the Un- necessary central bureau be temporarily in the united ited States and Turkey declared war against states as neutral land and second largest jewish cen- each other and remained cut until the British ter therefore imperative tschlenow and either sokolow or jacobson come immediately — brandeis conquered Palestine. During that period Denmark and, to a lesser extent, Sweden This request by Brandeis was not granted. were to permit transfers of minted marks in The center remained in Berlin until the Bal- gold to Palestine, thereby saving the Yishuv four Declaration transfered the lead de facto from starvation and disaster. This Swedish to England, where it was physically established contribution to Zionist history, to the best after the war. It was actually well that Ame- of my knowledge, has never been mentioned rica did not become the world headquarters in any history of the period. because in March 1917 war was declared I have sifted through the numerous tele- against Turkey and America was no longer grams received by Moritz Tarschis32 and have neutral. Nevertheless the role of American selected several which seem more important Jewry did increase because of the war and than the others. On 18 September 1914 this while the political center was not transfered telegram was received: across the Ocean, the financial center was. On 14 December 1914 Tarschis received David Wolffsohn died Wednesday evening Ham- the following: burg. Telegraph Tschlenow and Rassviet and Ha- zefirah and Kolonialbank should also inform col- Telegraph Zionists New York following orgship leagues and friends and newspapers. Levin should cables. means immediately necessary continuation ac- also telegraph Clarence Sola. tivity office and victor. send directly indispensable promised amount — Warburg Wolffsohn was the second president of the World Zionist Organization and his death The key to this telegram is the word "org- was a matter of international concern. Tschle- ship" which was the code name for the Berlin now was a leading Zionist elder who had Head Office. The telegram informs New York been approached after Herzl's passing and that the financial crisis is so critical that the asked to assume the presidency but had refus- promised funds should be sent directly to Ber- ed. He was to pass away during the war lin. If not, that office and Victor Jacobson, years. Rasswiet was a Zionist organ in Russia, who was on his way to Constantinople, would

24 be unable to function. ism, indeed, it was the work of only one As far as I know the last telegram of this man, Moritz Tarschis. And whatever he period was sent from Stockholm after the accomplished, he did, not because of his pos- receipt of a letter dated 29 December 1914: ition in Swedish society but despite the fact that he had no position whatsoever. On the Dear Mr. Tarschis: several occasions of note during World War We ask you to please forward the following tele- I, when larger Jewish support or the backing gram to Mr. Ussischkin in Odessa, Chersonskaja of the general Swedish society was needed, the 46,: "Morgenthau forwards the monies that den Zionist leadership turned to others, among Haag, London, Paris, New York have paid for him" them the Chief Rabbi, Marcus Ehrenpreis. But — Warburg. for purely Jewish matters, Tarschis was the or- We ask you to confirm and note the reciept of ganization's man because he was the leading lo- this note. Thanking you in advance ... (signed) cal Zionist and a dedicated Jew. The leadership Rosenblüth. continually turned to him to arrange for lodging and aid for the many visitors of note to pass Thus concluded one of the most important in- through Stockholm throughout the war years terludes in Zionist history in Sweden. But and to schedule lectures for those who wanted another period was beginning during which to speak. Thus, Tarschis arranged for a public truly significant accomplishments would be meeting at the locale of "The Women's Organ- achieved by internationally recognized Zionist ization" (Kvinnokluben) on 7 December personalities temporarily living in Stockholm. 1914 (Grefturegatan 24 a) where Boris Gold- The only time that Zionism in Sweden was berg of the Large Actions Committee and the of international importance during this period world famous orthodox Rabbi and Zionist, Meir occurred because Sweden was a neutral country Berlin, addressed those assembled. Many similar and a Stockholm Zionist was in the position lectures by Zionist personalities were subse- to assist the World Zionist movement. It was quently held, several of which were to have not due to the nature of Scandinavian Zion- international repercussions.

Footnotes

i HaOlam, year 1911, number 41, p. 16. 10 This brochure with several changes (for example, 2 Copies of this publication are available at the the final section) appeared in the first edition YIVO Library and Archives in New York. They of "Zionisten". may also be available at the Royal Library in 11 Archives, Jerusalem Z 3 / 905. Dr. Blöde (Bloe- Copenhagen. de) spoke in Copenhagen on 9 January 1913. 3 Information obtained in a taped interview with 12 Number 2, 1913. M. Aisik Libman. I have not located any copies 13 Archives, Jerusalem Z 3 / 905- of this brochure although several examples of 14 M. Tarschis, "Zionism in Sweden, Memories a "Meddelande" or circular from 1916 are in from 35 Years of Zionist Activity". Judisk Tid- the Central Zionist Archives, Jerusalem, file skrift 1942, nr 11, p. 321 and 322. While Tar- 16/33 II. schis certainly recalls correctly the emotional 4 Die Welt, 1910, number 51, p. 1358. reactions of the participants, his memory mis- 5 ibid, 12 July 1912, number 28, p. 857. Nu- leads him in dating events. He apparently wrote merous other examples can be cited to illustrate the article without checking his own papers and this technique. letters which he had saved. Thus he places Kurt 6 According to Die Welt, 9 Feb. 1912, number Blumenfeld's visit in 1911 and the First Scan- 6, p. 189, Sweden and Denmark collected 200 dinavian Zionist Conference in the same year mark in 1911, averaging about 4.0 pfenning per (p. 321). The article in the Encyclopedia of Zion- person and giving them 16th place. ism and Israel, p. 1080 makes the same errors, 7 The correspondence is in Archives, Jerusalem Z 3 probably because it uses Tarschis' article as a 1 460 and briefly summarized in Die Welt, vol- major source. ume 17, Feb. 1911, number 7, Köln, p. 146. 15 It was founded on 13 November 1913 and had 8 Die Welt, Berlin 1 Dec. 1911, number 48, p. 60 members according to a letter from Tarschis. 1289. See Archives, Jerusalem file Z 3 1 907. 9 Archives, Jerusalem file Z 3 l 905. 16 Central Fund: — H. Elliot, S. Kukelman (Stock-

25 holm) : L. Jacobsson (Gothenburg); J. Nachem- pondence referred to here until the outbreak of shon (Copenhagen); H. Becker (Kristiania) hostilities in July 1914. were unanimously elected. 25 Loaned to me by Mr. F. B. Tarschis, Tel Aviv. 17 National Fund (also unanimous) : — I. Abel, 26 The meaning seems to be that it is fated, by I. S. Tarschys and Mrs. S. Abel (Stockholm), necessity, to occur. H. G. Turitz (Gothenburg). I. Aronson (alter- 27 Judisk Tidskrift, Nr. 11, 1942 — "Zionism in nate, also Gothenburg); S. D. Oster (Kristiania). Sweden, Memories of 35 Years of Activity", p. Mrs. Nachemsohn (Copenhagen). 319 and 320. 18 Accountants: — J. Levy and J. Kirschon (Stock- 28 Archives, Jerusalem, file Z 3 1 907 where both holm). the letter of 29 September 1914 and other examp- 19 A brief account of the conference appeared in les may be found. Berichte des the "Report to the Congress" — 29 Article, "Copenhagen Bureau", "Encyclopedia of Zionistischen Organisation Actions-Comites der Zionism and Israel, op. cit. p. 217. am des XI ZIONISTENKONGRESS, Wien, 2 bis 30 The Copenhagen Bureau did become more than 9, Sept. 1913, p. 60. just a link. Its printed news bulletins appeared 20 This correpsondence is in Archives, Jerusalem file Z 3 1 906. The Zionist head office was now in French, German and English and assisted the general and Jewish press to know about the in Berlin and would remain there until trans- pogroms and persecutions in Eastern Europe. In fered to London after the first World War. this work, Copenhagen's Bureau cooperated with 21 Archives, Jerusalem file Z 3 ,/ 906. the Jewish Press Bureau in Stockholm. Also of 22 In the article in Judisk Tidskrift, no. 11, 1942, note was the Copenhagen Manifesto issued by 319. Tarschis recalled that 7 numbers appeared. p. the Bureau on 28 October 1918, listing the In the unpublished "25 Years of Zionism in demands of the Jewish people addressed to the Sweden" he wrote that 8 monthly editions had forthcoming Paris Peace conference = a) Pale- been published. The Encyclopedica of Zionism stine should be the Jewish National home, b) and Israel, p. 1080 also mentions 7 issues. The Jews in all countries should be granted full Royal Library of Stockholm has the entire issue equality, c) Jews should be granted national of 5 numbers as explained here. autonomy in areas of Jewish mass settlement. 23 This is mentioned in a letter by Tarschis to the Zionist Executive. It also appears in Zionisten 31 Tre original is in the possession of Mr. F. B. Tar- vol. 1, number 1, p. 8 — "Detta nummer af schis while the copy received in Berlin on the Zionisten erhålla medlemmar samt mosaiska tros- following day is located in Archives, Jerusa- bekännare inom Skandinavien gratis och franco." lem Z 3 ./ 907. This was followed by a promise of free mailing: 32 See note 25. "Ifyll medföljande postanvisning och sänd sam- 33 After writing this I discovered that Clarence ma till tidningens expedition, då erhåller Ni Zio- I. De • Sola was the president of the Canadian nisten gratis hemsänd under ett helt år." Zionist Federation. See Rufus Learsi, Fulfillment, 23 Archives, Jerusalem file Z 3 J 907 for all corres- New York (1951) p. 156.