Monday, July 4, 2011

It wasn't just physics that made Einstein a genius.


Albert Einstein, the physics guru of all times, was also an active Jewish personality. However, unlike most 20 Century Jews, Einstein was a loud critic of the Zionist movement. He even proposed creating a Jewish state in Peru (of course today he would've been called a "Self-Hating Jew).  I've put together 4 original documents that show us the standpoint of one of humanity's most notable scientists on one of humanity's most unjust conflicts.






1.  (Letter written by Alber Einstein on Jul 7, 1930)

Dear Mr. Max Warburg!

Mr. v. Maltzahn told me that you were interested in the Peru colonization project for Jews from the East. Even, that you are willing to somehow actively participate in this matter. Since I know that my name has certain advertising powers when it comes to Jews, and because I do find this project noteworthy, I would like to let you know that I am prepared to do anything that you need to promote this issue (or any clarification you may need first), and tell you anything you want to know. Maybe there truly is a possibility here to help a great part of the Jewish people find a healthy existence. Professor Oppenheimer informed me in the meantime that the land and climate are quite suitable.

With kind regards,

Your

A. EINSTEIN








2. The crux of the issue was simple, and twenty-seven hundred years old: could anti-Semitism be eradicated so long as Jews lived among gentiles? Louis D. Brandeis, the first Jewish Justice on the Supreme Court, said no; the creation of a Jewish state, he thought, was the Pilgrims inspiration and impulse all over again. 

Here, however, Einstein says no to Brandeis, no to nationalism, and yes to the “durability of the Jewish community” which, he believes, is “to a large degree based on our geographical dispersion, and the fact that we consequently do not possess instruments of power that will allow us to commit great stupidities out of national fanaticism.” The persecutions, he concludes, will never cause the Jews to perish.
Typed Letter Signed (“A. Einstein”), in German, 1 page, quarto, on his personal letterhead, 112 Mercer Street, Princeton, New Jersey, January 25, 1936. To Mrs. Leibowitz.







3. In 1948, prior to the creation of the State of Israel, Albert Einstein was solicited by the Stern Gang to raise money and support for its terrorism against the British and the Palestinians.


In the United States, the Stern Gang operated under the title of ؟American Friends of the Fighters for the Freedom of Israel.؟ Here is Einstein؟s response written the day after the massacre at Deir Yassin, the same day it was first reported in The New York Times. The original letter is slated to become part of the Deir Yassin Remembered Archives.
A recent newspaper article on this document, purchased at Sotheby's in 2007, is shown below and can best be viewed by magnifying it to 200 percent. Note that this letter was written April 10th, 1948, ONLY ONE DAY after Stern terror gang with the assistance of the Haganah executed the massacre against the civilian population Deir Yassin.





4.  Letter to the New York Times, signed by Albert Einstein and others. 






Letters to the Editor
New York Times
December 4, 1948
 
TO THE EDITORS OF THE NEW YORK TIMES:
 
Among the most disturbing political phenomena of our times is the emergence in the newly created state of Israel of the "Freedom Party" (Tnuat Haherut), a political party closely akin in its organization, methods, political philosophy and social appeal to the Nazi and Fascist parties. It was formed out of the membership and following of the former Irgun Zvai Leumi, a terrorist, right-wing, chauvinist organization in Palestine.
 
The current visit of Menachem Begin, leader of this party, to the United States is obviously calculated to give the impression of American support for his party in the coming Israeli elections, and to cement political ties with conservative Zionist elements in the United States. Several Americans of national repute have lent their names to welcome his visit. It is inconceivable that those who oppose fascism throughoutthe world, if correctly informed as to Mr. Begin's political record and perspectives, could add their names and support to the movement he represents.
 
 
Before irreparable damage is done by way of financial contributions, public manifestations in Begin's behalf, and the creation in Palestine of the impression that a large segment of America supports Fascist elements in Israel, the American public must be informed as to the record and objectives of Mr. Begin and his movement. The public avowals of Begin's party are no guide whatever to its actual character. Today they speak of freedom, democracy and anti-imperialism, whereas until recently they openly preached the doctrine of the Fascist state. It is in its actions that the terrorist party betrays its real character; from its past actions we can judge what it may be expected to do in the future.
 
Attack on Arab Village
 
A shocking example was their behavior in the Arab village of Deir Yassin. This village, off the main roads and surrounded by Jewish lands, had taken no part in the war, and had even fought off Arab bands who wanted to use the village as their base. On April 9 (THE NEW YORK TIMES), terrorist bands attacked this peaceful village, which was not a military objective in the fighting, killed most of its inhabitants ? 240men, women, and children - and kept a few of them alive to parade as captives through the streets of Jerusalem. Most of the Jewish community was horrified at the deed, and the Jewish Agency sent a telegram of apology to King Abdullah of Trans-Jordan. But the terrorists, far from being ashamed of their act, were proud of this massacre, publicized it widely, and invited all the foreign correspondents present in the country to view the heaped corpses and the general havoc at Deir Yassin. The Deir Yassin incident exemplifies the character and actions of the Freedom Party.
 
Within the Jewish community they have preached an admixture of ultranationalism, religious mysticism, and racial superiority. Like other Fascist parties they have been used to break strikes, and have themselves pressed for the destruction of free trade unions. In their stead they have proposed corporate unions on the Italian Fascist model. During the last years of sporadic anti-British violence, the IZL and Stern groups inaugurated a reign of terror in the Palestine Jewish community. Teachers were beaten up for speaking against them, adults were shot for not letting their children join them. By gangster methods, beatings, window-smashing, and wide-spread robberies, the terrorists intimidated the population and exacted a heavy tribute.
 
The people of the Freedom Party have had no part in the constructive achievements in Palestine. They have reclaimed no land, built no settlements, and only detracted from the Jewish defense activity. Their much-publicized immigration endeavors were minute, and devoted mainly to bringing in Fascist compatriots.
 
Discrepancies Seen
 
The discrepancies between the bold claims now being made by Begin and his party, and their record of past performance in Palestine bear the imprint of no ordinary political party. This is the unmistakable stamp of a Fascist party for whom terrorism (against Jews, Arabs, and British alike), and misrepresentation are means, and a "Leader State" is the goal.
 
In the light of the foregoing considerations, it is imperative that the truth about Mr. Begin and his movement be made known in this country. It is all the more tragic that the top leadership of American Zionism has refused to campaign against Begin's efforts, or even to expose to its own constituents the dangers to Israel from support to Begin.
 
The undersigned therefore take this means of publicly presenting a few salient facts concerning Begin and his party; and of urging all concerned not to support this latest manifestation of fascism.

9 comments:

  1. Ciao Yasmeen,
    thank you for these original materials
    A greeting from Italy.

    ReplyDelete
  2. What you wrote about Einstein is true.
    Einstein was a humanist. But you forgot (as usual ...) to say that he was also a devoted Zionist.

    ReplyDelete