Historic Report of Anti-Zionist Protest on April 14, 1948
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April 15, 1948 -
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HACHOMA Supplement to no. 42
Address: P.O.B. 5087 Jerusalem
14th April, 1948.
Note of the Demonstration of Orthodox Jewry in Jerusalem against Political Zionism
Orthodox Jewry in Jerusalem has been compelled to protest against political Zionism, which enforces its views with fists and firearms, demanding adherence to their unholy and unbalanced ideas.
On Wednesday, April 7th, bills were posted in the streets, leading to a large assembly in the great Yeshiva of Meah Shearim on Thursday, April 8th. The entire Book of Psalms was recited, followed by speakers who described with force and clarity the terrible conditions and great misfortune to which the leaders of political Zionism are leading the whole Yishuv, contrary to the teachings of our holy Law (the Torah). The assembly was urged to demonstrate in protest against this forbidden and dangerous conduct.
The attendees marched out into the street in an orderly procession. Shops were closed, and many thousands joined the demonstrators. Banners were carried high, bearing the inscriptions: “WE ARE FOR PEACE,” and “WE DEMAND CEASE FIRE.” Pamphlets distributed read:
- – “Zionist action which does not recognize the Jewish Law as the basis and foundation of Jewish life and conduct, does not represent us.”
- “We are Jews who wish to be guided by the light of the Holy Torah in all our ways.”
- “We are for Peace.”
- “We appeal to our Government to deliver us from this terrible crisis.”
The agreed slogans chanted by the demonstrators were:
- “There has arisen over Jewry a Zionist way of life and conduct contrary to the teachings of the Holy Torah which is dangerous to Israel and may lead the whole Yishuv in Eretz Israel and over the world to misfortune and ruin.”
- “We declare the Zionist leaders are not our representatives.”
- “Let us have pity on our lives and on the lives of our women and children.”
- “Let us not be misled by those who seek to undermine our existence.”
- “We appeal to our Government to save us and to make peace.”
The unanimous cry of all the demonstrators was “CEASE FIRE.” Between each utterance, all together recited the XXth Psalm “The Lord will answer you.”
The demonstration proceeded from the Yeshivah Hall to the main gate in Meah Shearim, then to the roadblock on Geulah Street. Here, a group of interrupters emerged, tore down the banners, and belayed the demonstrators. Unable to pass the roadblock, the demonstration turned right onto Hagai Street and reached the roadblock at the corner of Chancellor and Geulah Streets.
They were again confronted by a larger and stronger Haganah group, which fired into the air and beat the demonstrators without mercy. The demonstration then dispersed by force. The Haganah people then brought up a busload of their soldiers who chased the remaining knots of demonstrators and beat them with their rifles.
Despite the violent suppression, the demonstration expressed the will and purpose of Orthodox Jewry in Jerusalem, who now appeal in writing to the Government for protection. The Zionist leaders are doing everything possible to hush the matter up and stifle the impression created by the demonstration, allowing no sign of it to remain. No photographs were allowed to be taken, and those already taken were destroyed.
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