Source: Frankfurter Israelitisches Gemeindeblatt March 1937, p. 12.
As the 'Yes to Judaism' attitude became fashionable in the years 1933, 1934 and 1935, the number of participants in Hebrew language courses that were set up all over Germany increased rapidly. That was very remarkable…. But when in 1936 news of the Arab threats of war in Palestine sounded grave enough, one could hear people say: Isn't it true, dear doctor, - you say so yourself - that there is nothing to seek in Palestine. My daughter gave up her Hebrew language course. She is now learning English and Spanish.' And it was not at all surprising that the number of participants in Hebrew language courses quickly fell. … Of course, Hebrew is the language of the vibrant Jewish settlement in Palestine and whoever goes there should be able to speak Hebrew, just as anyone going to Rio de Janeiro should understand Portuguese.
But Hebrew is much more than that . It is the language of the Bible and the prophets, of the prayers, the language of the memory and of the promise. If Judaism exists any place where Jews unite together in a holy community, then there is a basis for the Hebrew language in every place in the world…. In a time when we are dispersed more than ever in the four corners of the earth, we must focus more than ever on ourselves. Palestine and the Diaspora will be held together by means of the language. Whoever wishes to take part in this holding together, will learn Hebrew.
