A SINGLE STATE SOLUTION
Freud's Letter to Dr. Chaim Koffler Keren HaYassod, Vienna: 26 February, 1930
Dear Doctor,
I cannot do what you ask. My unwillingness to involve the public with my name is insurmountable and not even this present critical occasion seems to warrant it. Whoever wishes to influence the crowd must express something that resonates and creates enthusiasm but my sober estimation of Zionism does not allow me to do so.
I certainly have a great deal of sympathy for their endeavours; I am proud of our university in Jerusalem and am pleased that our settlements are flourishing.
But, on the other hand, I do not believe that Palestine can ever become a Jewish State or that both the Christian and Islamic world will ever be prepared to entrust their holy places to Jewish care. To me it would have seemed more sensible to establish a Jewish homeland on a historically unencumbered soil; I do know that with such a rational plan one could never have won the enthusiasm of the masses or the financial backing of the rich. Also, I regretfully admit that the unworldly fanaticism of our fellow Jews must bear some responsibility for awakening the mistrust of the Arabs. Nor can I summon up any trace of sympathy for the misguided piety that has made a piece of Herod's wall into a national relic, thereby provoking the natives' feelings.
Now judge for yourself whether I, with such a critical attitude, am the right person to act as the comforter of a people whose unfounded hopes have been shattered.
Yours respectfully, Freud
Source: Freud
Institute