British rule ends, Maccabi meets and an odd outfit
May 15
● When the Union Jack is hauled down on Government House, Jerusalem tonight, another milestone will have been passed in the history of Britain’s connection with the Middle East, another step taken in the process of her relinquishment of direct rule over peoples under tutelage. Much water has flowed down the Jordan since the day, nearly thirty-one years ago, when Allenby dismounted from his horse to walk, humbly, into the Holy City after defeating the Turks and their German allies. During those years, great strides were made in every direction. The combination of British rule and Jewish endeavour, despite setbacks, produced astonishing results… In a space of a few years, Palestine became the most progressive country of the Middle East, with a better government, better social services, more flourishing agriculture and industry, and a higher standard of living than any of her neighbours … And yet, all was not well. A canker gnawed at the roots of the state and seemed to be irremovable. Arab-Jewish relations, instead of improving as the country became more prosperous, deteriorated steadily, producing first sporadic riots and, later, from 1936 to 1939, open warfare directed against both British and Jews. (Extract from the JC’s leader column)
Muscular judaism
● At Manchester, the Union of Maccabi Associations will hold its annual conference. This organisation o f Anglo-Jewish youth has an exceptional breadth of outlook. Perhaps its multifarious activities are best summarised in its endeavour generally to encourage the development in Jewish youth of the mind, spirit, and body in the tradition of the Maccabeans. From this course comes a vigorous unity and wholesomeness — in every sense of the word — comprising both physical and moral wellbeing.
Forgotten something?
● Thoroughly unconventional was the garb affected by one of the members of the New West End Synagogue who turned up at the annual meeting on a bicycle and wearing white flannel trousers, white shoes, a dark jacket, and a black trilby hat. The Rev. Ephraim Levine, never at a loss for a witty remark, greeted him with: “Where’s your banjo?”