Message to Jews Regarding 1929 Riots
(August 29, 1929)
Message sent to the Zionist Organization of America
and read by Herman Bernstein at the meeting held in Madison Square Garden
to protest events in Palestine:
I have your request for a statement that may be presented
at the meeting this evening in New York.
I am glad of the opportunity to express my profound
sympathy with those who have been bereaved and who have suffered through
these disturbances. Good citizens in every country deplore these outbreaks
and this loss of life. Our Government is deeply concerned not only in
this broader sense but in the narrower sense of the protection of the
lives of American citizens.
Our advices are that the vigorous action taken by the
British Government has restored a large measure of protection, although
that Government is still faced with great burdens from this outbreak
of fanaticism. I know the whole world acknowledges the fine spirit shown
by the British Government in accepting the mandate of the Palestine in order that there might under this protection be
established a homeland so long desired by the Jews. Great progress has
been made in this inspiring enterprise over these last ten years, and
to this progress the American Jews have made enormous contribution.
They have demonstrated not only the fine sentiment and ideals which
inspire their activities but its practical possibilities.
I am confident out of these tragic events will come
greater security and greater safeguards for the future, under which
the steady rehabilitation of the Palestine as a true homeland will be
even more assured. An immediate and pressing question is the relief
to those who are suffering. The fine sympathy of the American people
is already evidencing itself in this purpose and it should receive the
most generous support.
HERBERT
HOOVER
Sources: Public Papers of the Presidents |