(First Prime Minister of the State of Israel, 1886-1973).

BEN-GURION, DAVID.

28th, October

1935

Typed Letter Signed (with initials). Carbon copy, with autograph manuscript corrections, apparently prepared for publication. Written in Hebrew to the Seventh National Conference of Torah Ve’Avodah of Poland. Emphasizing the necessity for unity, dwelling at length on the challenges the German Nazi movement was creating in world affairs, especially in connection with the Zionist enterprise.

A lengthy and important letter stating that the conference would “succeed in strengthening the Zionist movement in Poland.” Ben-Gurion emphasizes the importance both of the unity of the Zionist movement worldwide and of Jewish skilled labor - Hebrew labor - continuing to be brought to Eretz Israel. Some key points: “Without blurring the unique character and independent thought and substantive direction of each stream in Zionism, it is now incumbent upon every organization in the movement to put its strength and will to solidifying the movement as a whole.” “A democratic movement based upon popular volunteerism cannot exist without freedom to criticize and argue…[Especially] amidst a dispersed and fractured people as ours.” “Israel has never faced days as awful as these. The murderous and evil regime of our generation’s Haman has raised the ax of destruction over the Jewish community of a large country that was once considered an enlightened country. This regime is spreading its poison to other countries… The illusion of emancipation in the Diaspora is being undermined… A return to the Homeland has ceased being a dream for the future and has become a question of life and death for a nation wallowing in destruction and despair.” “Our little land has become a widening refuge for tens of thousands of immigrants… Time is short. We live in a turbulent and ever-changing generation. Our project faces great dangers from the political tensions around the world.” “From the bottom of my heart I offer a blessing that your conference should succeed in strengthening the Zionist movement in Poland.”