Buffalo Jewish Review · Buffalo, New York · 29 April 1927

CP-1927-003

Bishop Dunn Denies Modernization of Palestine by Jews Reduces Sanctity of Holy Land

New York Catholic Leader, Describing Impressions of Palestine, Declares Jewish Enterprise Is Advancing Progress of Mankind

Transcribed from the clipping

“NEW YORK. — There is no foundation, in the view of Monsignor John J. Dunn, Bishop of New York, for the fear entertained by some people that the modernization of Palestine would spoil the atmosphere of sanctity which surrounds the Holy Land for the followers of three of the world’s great religions… ‘What the Jews have achieved in that land,’ said the Bishop, ‘especially in the sphere of agricultural development is nothing short of marvelous. I have seen the farm settlements in the Valley of Esdraelon and other places. They stand out strikingly from the rest of the country. I have witnessed the toil and enthusiasm of the men and women, old and young, who return to till the soil of their land, moved by the passion to restore its ancient splendor…’ ‘The difficulties are, of course, numerous. They are difficulties having to do not only with the neglected condition of the soil, with the accumulation of marshes, the bareness and treelessness of the hillsides, but also with the presence of a native population that has naturally harbored suspicions with regard to the purposes of the newcomers. These suspicions, however, have been demonstrated to be groundless by what has actually taken place. I have been informed from many sources that a remarkable change has taken place in the attitude of the Arab population towards the work of the Jews. Where formerly there existed mistrust and even hatred, there is now good-will and a desire to co-operate. I consider that change, in view of the circumstances, nothing short of miraculous. It can only be explained by the fact that the Arab natives have realized that their own welfare is bound up with the success of what the Jews are engaged in.’… ‘That is why I believe, finally, that it can be fairly stated that the Jewish enterprise in Palestine is one that makes for the progress of mankind.’”

Context added by this archive

A New York bishop reports on what the Arab population of Palestine now thinks, having been informed from many sources. No Arab is quoted, named or asked. The same page carries Sir Wyndham Deedes, chief secretary of the Palestine Administration, telling a farewell luncheon that Christians everywhere are anxious for the Jews to succeed in Palestine.

Cite this item

"Bishop Dunn Denies Modernization of Palestine by Jews Reduces Sanctity of Holy Land," Buffalo Jewish Review, 29 April 1927. Covering Palestine archive, CP-1927-003. https://coveringpalestine.org/archive/cp-1927-003

Elsewhere in the archive

• British Statesmen Praise the Jewish Achievements in Palestine Since Issuance of Balfour DeclarationBuffalo Jewish Review · 4 November 1927 · the same newspaper
• Land Question Agitates Palestinian Arabs, Plans for Colonization Under WayBuffalo Jewish Review · 19 July 1929 · the same newspaper
• The Absorptive Capacity of PalestineBuffalo Jewish Review · 23 October 1931 · the same newspaper
• Glory Of Ancient Palestine May Be Restored By JewsThe News Journal · 13 March 1927 · the same year
• World Zionist Org. Seeks Palestine Economic FactsWisconsin Jewish Chronicle · 20 May 1927 · the same year
• Arabs In Palestine Protest Zion PolicySt. Louis Globe-Democrat · 25 May 1927 · the same year