would supply the funds rather than the bodies for rebuilding a Jewish Pal-
estine. After the war, when emphasis on the economic development of the
yishuv displaced statehood as the first priority of Zionism, the differences
between Zionists and non-Zionists paled further. In sum, aside from the
factor of religion, Zionist policy was less important in the Schiff–Zionist
negotiations than clashes of personalities (e.g., the anti-Schiff animus on
the part of Stephen Wise), competing claims to leadership, and, above all,
Schiff’s unending search for communal unity.
On the scale of leadership, Schiff’s change of heart on Zionism scored
high. The banker’s genuine commitment to a Jewish Palestine, more in
keeping with his traditionalist background, sat well with the majority of the
community and regained ground for him that he had lost during the con-
gress fight. In his peacemaking role, which raised him above the contend-
ing sides, he steered clear of confrontation or abrasive tactics. The Jewish
press applauded Schiff’s determined efforts^130 and the new immigrant
masses, who saw a generous and mellow elder statesman, had no cause to
challenge his authority.
The World at War 237