ng short of disaster
to the Jewish people as a whole. The stakes involved in this conflict
are infinitely greater than the issue which has given rise to it.

_The Structure of American Judaism Endangered_

SO far as American Judaism is concerned, the practical results of this
strife between Zionists and non-Zionists in America,--to leave aside
all theoretical considerations,--may prove to be fatal. It will reopen
the gap between the two elements of American Jewry which had been
almost filled. The work of American Judaism has been done by both
elements. Prominent non-Zionists and even anti-Zionists have
frequently and gratefully acknowledged the debt which American Israel
owes to the cooperation of the Zionists. The institutions of American
Jewry depend to a large extent for their existence upon the
non-Zionists, who may now by the force of reaction be driven into
anti-Zionism. But the progress of these institutions just as largely
depends upon those who are Zionists. The withdrawal of the Zionists
from American Jewish work--and such withdrawal may become a moral duty
for the Zionists who are loyal to the movement and respect their
convictions--might mean a complete standstill in the life of American
Jewry. Perhaps there are a few among us who are skeptical about the
fate of American Judaism, and who therefore see no harm in hastening
its disintegration. But those of us who are profoundly concerned about
the future of the two and one-half million Jews who are now in
America, and of twice that number who may one day be here, cannot but
view with the utmost anxiety the danger of wrecking what promises to
become the greatest Jewish center in the history of the Jews since
their dispersion.

As for the Zionist movement, one cannot help doubting whether Zionism,
even if it succeeded in defeating its opponents, would thereby obtain
its object. I am not speaking of the very considerable material injury
which the movement will suffer from the indifference and hostility of
the other side. I am rather thinking of the dangers incurred by
Zionism itself if, having repulsed the so-called classes, it becomes
a one-sided movement of the masses. Of course, no Zionist can be
otherwise than deeply gratified by the prospect of Zionism becoming a
cause of the people, but unless it manages to preserve the balance of
power within the Jewish community, it will be exposed to risks from
another source. Zionism is beset with so many difficult