Report to the ... Zionist Congress and to the Council of the Jewish Agency in ... · 1935-08-01 · 8.1935 · p. Seite 50

4. Argentine. During the last few years, prior to 5695, the shekel work in Argentine was deteriorating, in spite of the increased Jewish population of that country; it must therefore be noted with satisfaction that all parties made special efforts this year, and the total results for the two years 5694-5 reach 7,500, as against 5,500 for the previous Congress period. Even this number, which represents about 3 per cent, of the Jewish population of Argentine, is very insignificant, and it would be well if the Zionists there would follow the example of the Jewish communities of Europe with regard to shekel activity. 5. Belgium. There is practically no change in the total results for the two years. It is a matter of regret that Belgian Zionists do not intensify their efforts during a non-Congress year in order to attain a total figure of 8,000 to be entitled to a representation of three instead of two at the Congress. 6. Bessarabia. The efforts made this year by Bessarabian Zionists have been successful. According to information, 16,600 shekolim were sold in Bessarabia this year—an increase of 4,000 over 5693. Nevertheless, it must be stated regretfully that this is the second occasion that Bessarabian Zionists have entirely neglected shekel work during a non-Congress year, thus failing to fulfil their elementary duty towards the Zionist Organisation. Such an attitude on the part of responsible Zionists cannot be justified, and it is the duty of leading Zionists there to see to it that such a state of affairs does, not recur. 7: Bukowina. The progress made in Bukowina is most praiseworthy. While in 5691—the 17th Congress year—the number of Shekel-payers was 3,400, and they had one delegate at the Congress, this year they have sold 12,000 shekolim and have, four mandates. As regards Bukowina too, it is to be regretted that the shekel work is being neglected in non-Congress years, 8. Bulgaria. This is one of the isolated countries where the total number for the two years has somewhat decreased when compared with the results attained for the 18th Congress period. This may be accounted for by the following reasons : (a) the disputes which arose between the various parties which were formerly an integral part of the Federation : (b) the fact that in 5694 the office of the shekel committee was transferred to Sofia from Plovdiv, where there had been for many years a well organised machinery. 9. Canada. A slight improvement is to be noted in this year's results as compared with those for the previous Congress period— 15,000 instead of 11,000, an increase of 4,000 shekolim. The success is due to the energetic campaign conducted outside the ranks of the Keren Hayesod contributors. 10. Czechoslovakia. At the time of writing this report there are no final figures yet to hand. According to information it is to be feared that the total number for the two years will be somewhat 5o