Editorial: The Bergsons of today

More than a half century ago, a Jew from Palestine landed on these shores, warning of the holocaust and finding his efforts rebuffed by mainstream Jewish organizations.

Hillel Kook, known by the pseudonym Peter Bergson, was not deterred by the official snub. Raising public awareness through full-page newspaper ads, Kook defied the mainstream press, bringing the mass murders to public attention.

In his efforts, Kook brought in Harry Truman, Herbert Hoover, Will Rogers, Jr., Harold Ickes and other mainstream figures, in the effort to rescue the European Jews.

In our generation, we have witnessed the false optimism of the Oslo Accords, which provided the Palestinian Authority with political legitimacy, although it was led by Yasser Arafat and bolstered by an armed security force.

“Don’t give them guns,” was the cry of opponents, drowned out by mainstream Jewish organizations, the Israeli leadership, and the U.S. government. A determined few stood up, using their financial resources to mount an uphill public awareness campaign. Within our local community, the Bergsonites of today are Dr. Joseph Frager, and the Great Neck couple Dr. Paul and Drora Brody.

What began as an effort to fund a pro-Israel concert in Central Park, and develop the Ateret Cohanim properties in eastern Jerusalem, has turned into a sophisticated political operation.

Under the leadership of this doctor duo, mainstream political figures from both parties have spoken at the concert and visited the Jewish residents of eastern Jerusalem.

Over the past year, they met with presidential hopefuls Herman Cain and Rick Perry, pressing the flesh, and sharing their concerns for Israel.

Their annual Concert in the Park is the modern echo of Ben Hecht, whose 1943 pageant, We Will Never Die, attracted top Hollywood talent and an audience of 100,000.

Through the efforts of Ateret Cohanim, Fox News’s Mike Huckabee, actor Jon Voight and commentator Glenn Beck visited eastern Jerusalem, which will undoubtedly leave an impact on public opinion.

This past week, the national Council of Young Israel honored Frager and the Brodys for their work in defending Jerusalem. Like their honorees, Young Israel is also known for its struggle against the flow.

In 1912, it faced hostility from Reformists, who argued that Orthodoxy was doomed in America. It also faced hostility from the Orthodox mainstream of its time, arguing that the English sermons, reliance on young leaders, and support for Zionism were a betrayal of traditional values.

Success takes time to accomplish. There is still plenty of work to do, but the Orthodox decline has been reversed. We hope that it is not too late to reverse the gains of the Palestinians.