WOMEN'S DIVISION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22675, 12 March 1937, Page 3

WOMEN'S DIVISION

FIFTH BIRTHDAY PARTY ADDRESS ON PALESTINE HISTORY OF JEWISH PEOPLE "The persecution of the Jews is no new thing. Their history and their persecution is the story of mankind," said Mrs. David Nathan, speaking yesterday at the fifth birthday party of the Waiteinata Provincial Executive of the Women's Division of the Farmers' Union, held in the Milne and Choyce reception hall.

Mrs. Nathan, a member of the Mangere branch of the Women's Division, spoke upon " The Jews in Palestine" and she traced the history of the Jews from tho timo when, the Romans entering Palestine, they refused to worship the Roman Emperor as God and were driven from their country, up to the recent persecution in Germany. In its present treatment of tho Jews, Germany had only taken a step backward in history, said Mrs. Nathan. From those early days they had been scattered all over tho earth, persecuted by some peoples who had an inherent dislike of tho unlike, blamed for many things, hated, left homeless, sometimes befriended but nearly always misunderstood. Unity Preserved

After they had been dispersed the Jews were made a separate people. In spite of this, however, tho festivals of Israel and the ideals of tho people remained. In this they had preserved their unity; prayers for the return to Zion were said in every synagogue and everywhere they had their schools that children might be educated to study. In tho Middle Ages tho Jews were forced to live in a special part of tho towns, in ghettos. They were distinguished from other people and all professions were forbidden them so that many were forced to become moneylenders and tax collectors. ' .

The Reformation saw a greater freedom for the Jews. They .were allowed much the same rights as other people and went to countries such as England, where the people were friendly. Always, however, a cloud seemed to hang over tho Jews, and they were forced or expected to pass themselves off as French or Russians or Germans. In Russia they were still persecuted although their contributions to science had been remarkable. The poverty then was so extreme, added Mrs. Nathan, that the Polish Jews were said to live on air. ' Back to Palestine

Finally the question of tho Jews became a great problem that could not be shelved. It was decided that the best solution would be to give them back Palestine. In tho last 10 years a wonderful progress was made and after the British Government had promised to assist in establishing Palestine as the national country of tho Jews, efforts among the people of Zion increased in force.

On her last visit to Palestine, Mrs. Nathan said she was amazed at the way in which the growing Jewish colonies had surmounted the great problems facing them. Hebrew, which had for years been used only for prayer, was being taught again as a national language. Electric light and power had been installed and the Women's International Zion Organisation had commenced a' campaign of work in the interests of women and children. A domestic science school had been established as well as an agricultural school for girls, welfare centres, women's clubs, a dietetic hospital, kindergartens, clinics and hospitals. All these organisations worked not only for the Jews but also for all the people in Palestine.

The persecution in Germany was, said Mrs. Nathan, only one step in the campaign of Herr Hitler. It was easier to unite a people if they were given someone to hate. The Germans were taught, to hate the Jews, and after living for 16 centuries in Germany, they were driven from the country. At the conclusion of her address Mrs. Nathan was thanked by Mrs. C. C. Munro, vice-president, and presented with a bouquet.

Work ol Division More than 30 branches of the Women's Division were represented at the gathering, at which about 200 members were present. The members were welcomed by Mrs. Noel Adams, president of the Waitemata Provincial executive, who spoke briefly of the work of the division. She reminded the members that their housekeeping system was the only welfare work of its kind for women in the country and asked them to givo every support to the scheme. A presentation was made to Mrs. M. Bannam, ono of the foundation members of the housekeeping system, who was retiring on account of ill health. Mrs. L. Wells, a retiring secretary, Mrs. K. S. Judson, secretary to the Auckland executive, Mrs. Henderson, secretary to the provincial executive, and Miss J. Munro, secretary of the housekeeping executive, were presented with bouquets and sprays. During the afternoon a programme was presented by Mrs. J. W. Bailey, who gavo musical monologues, Mrs. E. Greenfield, who gave two violin solos, "Jewish Tears" and "Jewish Wedding Dance," and Mr. Alan Mc.Ehvain, who contributed elocutionary items. Mrs. M. Gully acted as accompanist.