Albert Meets America: How Journalists Treated Genius during Einstein's 1921 Travels

7 Fervid Reception (April 10–12)

Sunday, April 10 The Welcome Meeting The great meeting of welcome to Dr. Chaim Weizmann, Prof. Albert Einstein , Menachem Mendel Ussischkin and their associates has been held and is now a thing of the past. The big Metropolitan Opera House on Broadway and Thirty-ninth Street was crowded to capacity. Every seat was occupied and in addition the space allotted to the standees was full too. And on the stage there were hundreds of persons. It was a thoroughly representative gathering. From all parts of the country Jews had come to hear what the leaders of world Zionism had to say. And for the nonce Zionists and non-Zionists sat cheek by jowl. The meeting was called for two thirty. It was fully an hour later that it was called to order by Judge Julian W. Mack, President of the Zionist Organization of America. All kinds of rumors were rife. Dr. Weizmann and his colleagues had been in session with the Executive of the Zionist Organization Saturday night and Sunday up till a short time before the gathering was scheduled to begin. It was known that there were sharp differences between the visitors abroad and the local leaders. Reports of resignations and splits were in the air, and some were of the opinion that Dr. Weizmann would not come to the meeting. So it was with a sigh of relief that about twenty minutes after three, Nathan Straus led the visitors and their escorts upon the stage. Mr. Straus was followed by Judge Mack, Dr. and Mrs.Weizmann , Prof. and Mrs. Einstein, Ussischkin, Dr. Schmaryahu Levin and Dr. 7 Fervid Reception ) 74 ) Albert Meets America Benzion Mossensohn, Judge Irving Lehman, chairman of the American Branch of the Palestine Economic Council, Louis Marshall and members of the executive of the Zionist Organization of America. With a roar such as the Metropolitan Opera House, accustomed to ovations and to scenes of enthusiasm had never witnessed the vast audience greeted the leaders.Waving flags and again and again singing the Hatikvah, they shouted for Weizmann, for Ussischkin and for Einstein. There could be no doubt of the intent of the throng.It was there to pledge them the support of American Jewry as Judge Lehman subsequently said, in the mighty task of rejuvenating Eretz Yisroel. Judge Mack in his opening speech made no reference to the conferences that had taken place between the Zionist Organization and Dr. Weizmann and his colleagues. He spoke heartily. Judge Lehman who followed, laid stress upon the fact that American Jews would never forget that they are Jews and he assured the world-Zionist leaders of American Israel’s support. Mossensohn who came next dwelled upon the influence of Palestine and Rabbi Meyer Berlin,the Mizrachi leader,brought the greetings of his part in Zionism.Ussischkin,sharp and virile,pointed to the development of a complete Jewish life in Eretz Yisroel and Rabbi Abba Hillel Silver of Cleveland with a declaration that the young Jews of America would go to Palestine. There was a roar of approval. Schmaryahu Levine, who spoke in somewhat cryptic terms,wanted no compliments.He wanted American Jews to emancipate themselves and to come to Zion, instead of being begged to go. Louis Marshall did not declare himself a Zionist but he shouted that none could remain indifferent now. He made a most powerful plea for unity.“Woe to those who bring strife where peace should reign. Woe to those who bring discord where unity should exist,” he exclaimed and his sentiment was cheered to the echo. And then came what everybody was waiting for, the speech of Dr. Weizmann . Again there were cheers which lasted for several minutes. Weizmann is no orator, but he knows what he wants to say and says it calmly and straight from the shoulder. He said nothing of the struggle he has with the American Zionist leaders. He devoted the major part of his address which lasted about three quarters of an hour, to stating what needed to be done in Palestine and he closed with what the Chalutzim were doing. He spoke under a great strain. There was no doubt that the conferences which he has had with Zionists here had left their impress upon him. He appealed for help, for the means to carry on the work. He pleaded for the honorable fulfillment of the duty devolving upon all Jews. And with the singing...