Letter from "An Impartial Observer" to Isaac Leeser;October 04, 1850
- Title
- Letter from "An Impartial Observer" to Isaac Leeser;October 04, 1850
- Author
- "An Impartial Observer"
- Contributor
- Isaac Leeser
- Date Created
- 4 October 1850
- Location(s)
- Philadelphia
- Format
- Letter. 2 page(s) on 1 sheet(s).
- Type
- Letter
- Language(s)
- English
- Has Format
- https://colenda.library.upenn.edu/items/ark:/81431/p3cn6zr34/manifest.json
- Link to Colenda
- https://colenda.library.upenn.edu/catalog/81431-p3cn6zr34
- Physical Characteristics
- Lined Paper
- Manuscript
- content
-
Mr Editor, In looking over a recent number of the Occident, my attention was drawn, to a remark in a notice, regarding the “new sewing society” in which you speak, as if you thought, the American ladies were somewhat prejudiced, against the Germans; (or as you term it “The Dutch,”) I have frequently observed this myself; but in justice, let me add, that this prejudice. (I do not know what else to call it) is not altogether onesided.
Although born in this country, I am connected in the principal social relations of life, with Europeans, from of different kingdoms; and I have frequently heard the country of one, spoken of in derision by the other.
The German generally dislikes the Hollander; the Hollander the Pole; and this unaccountable feeling is carried to a still greater extent; for the native of Old Bavaria, scorns the Rhine Bavarian, and he in his turn mocks, at the son of Baden. Why is this so? And what is the nature of this feeling? Thank Providence it is not halved, for when we hear of an Israelite being traduced, no matter what clime he hails from, we resent his injury, as if it were our own. Then, and not till then, do we regard him as a brother.
When we hear of persecutions from abroad, here deeply we sympathise, and willingly lend aid; nor stop to think, it is a foreigner in misfortune, but a Jew.
But why should this feeling exist at all amongst us! Should we not be more connected united than all the rest of mankind “God's chosen people”
See the confusion and distress prevailing now, in all sections of the country. This country, that has heretofore been the pride of the world. The refuge of the oppressed from all climes. “The land of the Free, and the home of the Brave” What has caused all this trouble. The same feeling of Disunion which exists amongst us as Israelites. Let there then be no difference, whether we are Americans, or foreigners, reformed or orthodox in our opinions, no matter, what synagogue we belong to, let us all be united as Jews. Then let “Union is strength.” be our motto, as well as that of our country, nor stop to whether it was a German, or an American, that did a good action, but thank God it was a Jew.
As regards the ladies Sewing Societies, I know that the old one has done a great deal of good; that many a widows and orphan's heart has been cheered by its timely aid, and many a desolate hearthstone made comfortable, by its ready assistance. But in a large city like ours, there is ample scope for the good and charitable to direct their efforts; and the ladies of the new society, whether Germans or Americans, are exerting themselves in a noble manner, and in a holy cause, to render aid to the destitute, in this their hour of need. May God bless them all.
An Impartial observer - Identifier
- LSKAP0167
- Date
- 1850-10-04
Part of Letter from "An Impartial Observer" to Isaac Leeser;October 04, 1850
"An Impartial Observer", “Letter from "An Impartial Observer" to Isaac Leeser;October 04, 1850”, 1850-10-04, Isaac Leeser Digital Repository, accessed September 18, 2024, https://judaicadhpenn.org/legacyprojects/s/leeser/item/65621