it feasible it would have been done long ago?
It has never yet been possible; now it is possible. A hundred--or even
fifty years ago it would have been nothing more than a dream. Today it
may become a reality. Our rich, who have a pleasurable acquaintance
with all our technical achievements, know full well how much money can
do. And thus it will be; just the poor and simple, who do not know
what power man already exercises over the forces of Nature, just these
will have the firmest faith in the new message. For these have never
lost their hope of the Promised Land.
Here it is, fellow Jews! Neither fable nor deception! Every man may
test its reality for himself, for every man will carry over with him a
portion of the Promised Land--one in his head, another in his arms,
another in his acquired possessions.
Now, all this may appear to be an interminably long affair. Even in
the most favorable circumstances, many years might elapse before the
commencement of the foundation of the State. In the meantime, Jews in
a thousand different places would suffer insults, mortifications,
abuse, blows, depredation, and death. No; if we only begin to carry
out the plans, Anti-Semitism would stop at once and for ever. For it
is the conclusion of peace.
The news of the formation of our Jewish Company will be carried in a
single day to the remotest ends of the earth by the lightning speed of
our telegraph wires.
And immediate relief will ensue. The intellects which we produce so
superabundantly in our middle classes will find an outlet in our first
organizations, as our first technicians, officers, professors,
officials, lawyers, and doctors; and thus the movement will continue
in swift but smooth progression.
Prayers will be offered up for the success of our work in temples and
in churches also; for it will bring relief from an old burden, which
all have suffered.
But we must first bring enlightenment to men's minds. The idea must
make its way into the most distant, miserable holes where our people
dwell. They will awaken from gloomy brooding, for into their lives
will come a new significance. Every man need think only of himself,
and the movement will assume vast proportions.
And what glory awaits those who fight unselfishly for the cause!
Therefore I believe that a wondrous generation of Jews will spring
into existence. The Maccabeans will rise again.
Let me repeat once more my opening words: The Jews who wish for a
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