Zionism, the Melting Pot, and the Galveston Project (with Rachel Cockerell)

Rachel Cockerell’s book, “The Melting Point: Family, Memory, and the Search for a Promised Land,” is a captivating journey through her family’s history, intertwined with the founding of Zionism. In a conversation with Russ Roberts on EconTalk, Cockerell shares her inspiration for the book and the unique process she used to construct it.

Cockerell explains that she initially set out to write a simple family memoir but was drawn into a deeper exploration of her Jewish ancestry. Her grandmother, Fannie Jochelman, had tried to distance herself from her Jewish heritage, leading Cockerell to uncover the forgotten legacy of her great-grandfather, Dr. David Jochelman. This discovery prompted her to delve into the roots of Zionism and its impact on her family’s journey to England.

As she began to write, Cockerell found herself struggling with her own presence in the narrative. She felt compelled to remove herself from the story and let the voices of her ancestors take center stage. This led to a unique approach where Cockerell eliminated her own interjections and allowed primary sources, such as letters, diary entries, and newspaper reports, to speak for themselves.

The book became a tapestry of voices from the past, with Cockerell serving as a silent observer, only intervening to provide context and connect the threads of history. She describes the process as a tightrope walk, balancing the voices of the past without overshadowing them with her own perspective.

One of the challenges Cockerell faced was organizing the vast array of primary sources she had collected. Despite being known for her disorganization, she managed to create a system that allowed her to keep track of the various pieces of information. Through a combination of handwritten notes, digital files, and careful categorization, Cockerell was able to weave together a compelling narrative that spans generations and continents.

“The Melting Point” is a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring legacy of family history. By giving voice to the past, Cockerell invites readers to reflect on their own roots and the complex tapestry of personal and collective memory. Her book is a reminder that the search for a promised land is not just a physical journey but a deeply personal and emotional quest for identity and belonging. It was just–I would lose everything and everything would be in a crazy order. I did during GCSEs [General Certificate of Secondary Education], this thing in England where you’re doing sort of 11 subjects when you’re 15 and 16, all my GCSE subject files were all sort of mixed together. So, I’m very lucky to have been writing this book in the age of laptops. So, it was all, I mean, it was still pretty chaotic, but I had these sort of endlessly long sort of Google Docs of notes and it would be a 250-page document of notes online.

And then, when it got to about 250, I would start a new document of notes. And then, I think I had about 10 of these 250 page notes documents in the end. And, within that, it was all quite chaotic, but I could always do, ‘edit, find on this page,’ and find the exact quote I wanted.

So, it was sort of an organized chaos. But in my head it was all sort of coming together. I mean, they say about any sort of creative project that your subconscious is sort of churning through it and the human mind is always looking for patterns and sort of dwelling on patterns and trying to form patterns.

This story, which I suppose objectively is quite incoherent–a story of early Zionism and New York in the 1920s and post-war London and Jerusalem in 1951 and people who were related to me and weren’t related to me–it seems like none of it really fits together. But my mind was all my sort of waking thoughts were: How do I make sense of this story? What is the narrative art? And: How am I going to make this into something coherent?

Russ Roberts: And one of the advantages of excising your own voice from the narrative–which is hard for most people–but one of the advantages is that we’re watching the events through the eyes of the people who live through them. And, part of the charm of this book is that the voices that you bring to us from those distant places and distant times are quite eloquent. So, a newspaper writer in 1905, in 1910, 1897–they were really extraordinary, and obviously they wrote differently than a media person today. So, you get a vividness that is a bit of a time machine, and that’s really special.

Rachel Cockerell: Oh, thank you. I mean, that was really my ultimate goal, to make it as close to a time machine as possible. And, the joy of reading newspapers from 1900, 1896, 1910, as you said, people wrote differently, but not so differently that a 21st-century reader feels lost or feels like it’s from a different era or feels like something has been lost in translation. It’s sort of that sweet spot, the turn of the century, where they’re writing in a modern way, in a way that they weren’t writing in 1850, but still beautifully and so free of cliché, all these sort of–the turn of phrase was so wonderful. I kept on just coming across these just delightful little phrases that have fallen out of use now, but it was so joyful to read all this stuff.

I mean, the first Zionist Congress in particular–I suppose the first few Zionist Congresses–there were a huge number of journalists from all around the world, but especially American and English journalists who had been sent there by their local paper–you know, the Sunderland Daily Echo or the Louisville Courier. I guess the golden age of journalism, if you were a correspondent for some very sort of provincial little newspaper, you might go to Switzerland in 1898 and go to this strange thing called the Zionist Congress. And, they would say things like, ‘For many of our readers, this word Zionism will be either unfamiliar or a very new term that’s been bandied about in the press. And, this word may not mean anything to most of you, but believe us when we say this is the most spectacular event of the century.’

So, I spent a lot of time immersed in these old newspapers. I would use old newspaper archives online, and it was during the pandemic, and I felt like the early Zionist Congresses were more real to me than the 2020 lockdown.

Russ Roberts: Yeah. Was it hard to cut stuff? Did you have a lot of other–and those kind of archives, was it hard to narrow it down?

Rachel Cockerell: I mean, I think, so for example, I would find some long article which was a sort of pen-portrait of Herzl or of one of the first Zionist Congresses or of things that happen later in the book. And, I think I’m lucky because I had this strong instinct as I read something: certain lines just seemed to leap out at me. And, I think any creative person in any field, you know when you’ve sort of found your correct field when you have very strong opinions about something. The writer, George Saunders, says that he loves writing and he loves making music, but when he’s sort of strumming on his guitar, he doesn’t really know whether one chord is better than another. Whereas when he looks at a paragraph, he knows that that comma has to be removed and so on. So, yeah, I found that I was having these strong opinions as I was reading.

And then, even when I had sort of in theory finished the book, I was still going back and making cuts over and over again. And, I find the cutting process to be very satisfying.

Russ Roberts: Well, the modern reader–just to reassure the modern reader–although the language is slightly turn-of-the-century, Chaucer was not doing any of the reporting, as you point out. The English is quite accessible to the modern reader. But, you chose relatively short excerpts, which was also I think very wise.

I just want to mention for any sports fans–and maybe even non-sports fans–I’ve only encountered one other book like yours in my life. It’s called The Unforgettable Season by G.H. Fleming. The book “The Unforgettable Season” by G.H. Fleming is a captivating read that takes you back to the 1908 baseball season, a time when newspapers were abundant and sports writers were at the top of their game. Russ Roberts, a fan of the book, praises its exceptional writing style, which is entirely composed of excerpts from sports writers of that era.

The story follows the dramatic events of the 1908 baseball season, focusing on the Pennant Race and the legendary players of the time, such as Christy Mathewson. The author skillfully weaves together these short excerpts to create a narrative that is both unforgettable and poignant.

One of the standout features of the book is its portrayal of the characters, much like the characters in Rachel’s book, who are extraordinary and leave a lasting impression on the reader. The season culminates in a tragic and unforgettable event that solidifies its place in baseball history.

For readers who enjoyed Rachel’s book, “The Unforgettable Season” offers a similar level of storytelling and historical depth. It transports readers back in time to a pivotal moment in baseball history, showcasing the talent of the players and the passion of the fans.

Overall, “The Unforgettable Season” is a must-read for baseball fans and history enthusiasts alike. Its engaging narrative and vivid portrayal of the 1908 baseball season make it a standout book that is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers. He was a literary giant in his time, with his works being widely read and admired. His play, “The Melting Pot,” was a groundbreaking piece of literature that introduced the concept of assimilation and integration of immigrants into American society. This play not only entertained audiences but also sparked important discussions about identity, belonging, and the American dream.

Despite his fame and success during his lifetime, Israel Zangwill’s legacy seems to have faded over time. While his name may not be as well-known today as it once was, his impact on literature and society cannot be denied. He was a trailblazer who used his platform to advocate for social change and promote unity among diverse communities.

In a world where cultural diversity is increasingly valued and celebrated, Zangwill’s message of inclusivity and acceptance remains as relevant as ever. His work continues to inspire readers and audiences to embrace their differences and find common ground with one another. As we navigate the complexities of modern society, Zangwill’s words serve as a poignant reminder of the power of literature to bridge divides and foster understanding.

In revisiting the life and works of Israel Zangwill, we not only honor his contributions to literature and society but also reaffirm the enduring importance of his message. His words may have been written in a different time, but their resonance and relevance continue to shape our understanding of identity, culture, and community. Israel Zangwill may have been a literary figure of the past, but his legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of those who continue to be inspired by his timeless wisdom. So, let’s delve into the historical significance of the play “The Melting Pot” and its connection to Jewish history, particularly in the context of the early 20th century. The play, written by Israel Zangwill, was inspired by his work with the Jewish Territorial Organization, which aimed to establish a homeland for the Jewish people. When it became clear that acquiring the Holy Land was not feasible, Zangwill and his colleagues began to consider America as a potential “Holy Land” for Jewish immigrants.

The plot of “The Melting Pot” revolves around two immigrants, one Russian Jewish and one Russian non-Jewish, who fall in love despite their cultural differences. The main character, David, delivers impassioned speeches about the melting pot of America, urging people of all backgrounds to come together and form a new identity. The play resonated with audiences, particularly in light of the Kishinev Pogrom of 1903, which saw Russian Jews massacred by Russian Christians.

The play’s portrayal of unity and acceptance in the face of adversity struck a chord with American audiences, and it went on to receive rave reviews and widespread acclaim. However, not everyone was impressed; some critics dismissed it as sentimental trash. The debate sparked by the play reflected the larger societal conversations about immigration, assimilation, and cultural identity in America at the time.

One of the more poignant aspects of the play is its exploration of the tension between assimilation and preserving one’s cultural heritage. While the characters in “The Melting Pot” choose to embrace the melting pot ideal, there is a sense of loss associated with abandoning their authentic traditions. This theme resonated with many Jewish Americans who grappled with similar questions of identity and belonging.

Interestingly, Israel Zangwill and Rachel Cockerell’s great-grandfather were involved in a lesser-known historical event that had a significant impact on Jewish and American history: the Galveston Movement. This initiative sought to redirect Jewish immigration away from the crowded urban centers of the East Coast to the port city of Galveston, Texas. By doing so, they hoped to provide Jewish immigrants with greater opportunities for economic and social mobility.

The Galveston Movement represented a unique approach to addressing the challenges faced by Jewish immigrants in America and underscored the diverse strategies employed by Jewish leaders to support their community. Through their work, Zangwill and his contemporaries demonstrated a commitment to preserving Jewish culture and heritage while also adapting to the realities of American society.

In conclusion, “The Melting Pot” serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities and nuances of cultural assimilation and identity formation. By exploring the themes of unity, diversity, and tradition, the play invites audiences to reflect on the ongoing dialogue surrounding immigration and multiculturalism in America. Israel Zangwill’s legacy continues to inspire discussions about the role of cultural heritage in shaping individual and collective identities in a rapidly changing world. The Galveston Project, spearheaded by Rachel Cockerell’s great-grandfather, David Jochelman, and his friend Israel Zangwill, was a groundbreaking initiative in the early 20th century to help 10,000 Jews escape Russia and find a new home in America. The idea was to offer an alternative to the crowded streets of New York City, which was already overflowing with Jewish immigrants. Galveston, Texas, was chosen as the new promised land, where these immigrants could start fresh and build new lives.

The Galveston Project faced many challenges and ultimately did not meet its lofty goal of bringing two million Russian Jews to America through Galveston. Only 10,000 immigrants made it to Galveston over the course of seven years. The strict immigration rules at Galveston, coupled with the outbreak of World War I, led to the project’s demise in 1914.

Despite the project’s limitations, the Jewish immigrants who arrived in Galveston were quickly dispersed across the United States. They were encouraged to board trains to various cities and towns in Texas and beyond, ensuring that they did not congregate in one place. This dispersal led to the formation of Jewish communities in cities like Dallas, Houston, and Austin, as well as in smaller towns across the country.

One remarkable figure that emerged from this period was Rabbi Henry Cohen, who played a vital role in welcoming and caring for the Jewish immigrants in Texas. Known for his warm hospitality and tireless dedication to his community, Rabbi Cohen became a beloved figure among the immigrants and locals alike.

The legacy of the Galveston Project lives on in the stories of those who found new homes and opportunities in America thanks to the efforts of David Jochelman, Israel Zangwill, and others involved in the project. While the project may have fallen short of its initial ambitions, it remains a testament to the resilience and determination of those who sought a better future for themselves and their families. The concept of the melting pot in America has always been a fascinating one, especially when it comes to the experiences of different immigrant groups. In a recent interview, Rachel Cockerell shared an intriguing story about her family history and the unique journey of her great-grandfather and his descendants.

Her great-grandfather, originally from the Russian Empire, settled in Kiev before eventually emigrating to London, England. He started a new family in London, which eventually led to the birth of Rachel’s grandmother, Granny Fanny. However, what Rachel didn’t know was that Granny Fanny had a half-brother named Emmanuel Jochelman, who was sent to New York as a teenager during the Galveston movement.

Emmanuel Jochelman, who later changed his name to Emjo Basshe, became an experimental playwright in New York and mingled with literary giants like Hemingway and John Dos Passos. He formed a theater company called The New Playwrights Theater in the 1920s, which put on avant-garde plays that were met with mixed reviews. One of his plays, “The Centuries,” depicted the disillusionment of Jewish immigrants arriving in New York and facing the harsh realities of life in America.

Emjo’s daughter, Emjo Basshe II, grew up with a dual identity as a half Russian Jewish and half North Carolinian individual. This hybrid of identities created a sense of conflict within her, as she struggled to define her cultural heritage. Despite being in her 90s now, Emjo Basshe II still grapples with the question of whether she is a Southern belle or a Russian Jew.

The story of Emjo Basshe and his theater company sheds light on the challenges faced by immigrant communities in America and the harsh realities that often contradicted the idealized notion of the American dream. Through Emjo’s plays and experiences, the reader gets a glimpse of the struggles and disappointments that many immigrants faced upon arriving in the “promised land.”

Overall, Rachel Cockerell’s family history is a testament to the complexities of identity and the ever-evolving nature of the melting pot in America. By delving into the lives of her ancestors, she offers a nuanced perspective on the immigrant experience and the quest for belonging in a diverse and multicultural society. The story of Emjo II, a 90-year-old woman living in Canada, is truly fascinating. Rachel Cockerell, the author of a book about her family history, spent a significant amount of time interviewing Emjo II and was captivated by her stories.

Emjo II turned out to be a long-lost relative that Rachel’s family had forgotten about. When Rachel contacted her, it was as if Emjo II had been waiting 90 years for someone to hear her stories. She shared memories of life in New York in the 1930s, recounting details about her father and grandfather, David Jochelman. Emjo II’s stories were not just long-winded ramblings; her background as an English teacher made her narratives eloquent and perfectly formed.

Rachel spent hours talking to Emjo II every Sunday for a year or two, delving into historical events like FDR’s Fireside Chats, Pearl Harbor, and Hitler’s invasion of Europe. Through these conversations, Rachel realized how intertwined family history is with broader historical events. Emjo II’s recollections provided a unique perspective on the past, highlighting the impact of major events on individual lives.

Emjo II has read Rachel’s book and has had mixed reactions. Initially, she found the manuscript to be just notes and wondered when Rachel would write a “real” book. However, after reading a six-page review in the New Yorker, she began to appreciate the depth and significance of the work. Seeing her father’s story immortalized in print has given Emjo II a sense of connection and legacy.

Rachel chose to title her book “The Melting Point” as a nod to the concept of assimilation. She felt that the title “The Melting Pot” had already been claimed by another author and wanted to create a unique identifier for her work. The theme of assimilation and cultural identity runs throughout the book, exploring the question of when someone truly becomes part of a new culture. For Rachel’s grandmother, the transition from Russian Jew to Englishwoman was a gradual process, prompting Rachel to ponder the elusive moment of assimilation.

Overall, Emjo II’s story is a testament to the power of family history and the impact of historical events on individual lives. Through Rachel’s book, readers can gain insight into the complexities of assimilation and cultural identity, as seen through the lens of one extraordinary woman’s life. The world of technology is constantly evolving, and with each passing day, new innovations are being introduced that have the potential to change the way we live our lives. From artificial intelligence to virtual reality, the possibilities seem endless. One such innovation that has been making waves in recent years is the concept of augmented reality.

Augmented reality, or AR, is a technology that overlays digital information onto the real world, creating an immersive and interactive experience for users. Unlike virtual reality, which completely immerses users in a digital environment, AR enhances the real world by adding digital elements such as images, videos, and 3D models to the user’s surroundings. This technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with our environment, from education and entertainment to healthcare and business.

One of the most popular applications of AR is in the gaming industry. Games such as Pokemon Go have taken the world by storm, allowing players to interact with digital creatures in the real world using their smartphones. This blend of virtual and real-world elements has created a new genre of gaming that is both engaging and immersive.

In the field of education, AR has the potential to transform the way students learn. By overlaying digital information onto textbooks or physical objects, students can engage with the material in a more interactive and dynamic way. For example, students studying anatomy could use AR to view 3D models of the human body, allowing them to explore different organs and systems in a more hands-on way.

In the healthcare industry, AR has the potential to revolutionize patient care. Surgeons could use AR to overlay patient data onto their field of view during surgery, providing real-time information and guidance that could improve outcomes. Patients could also benefit from AR technology, with applications that help them visualize their treatment plans or provide guidance on medication management.

In the business world, AR has the potential to streamline processes and improve efficiency. For example, field technicians could use AR glasses to overlay schematics onto machinery, making it easier to identify and repair issues. Retailers could use AR to create immersive shopping experiences, allowing customers to try on clothes or visualize furniture in their own homes before making a purchase.

Overall, augmented reality is a technology with endless possibilities. From gaming and education to healthcare and business, AR has the potential to transform the way we interact with the world around us. As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative applications that push the boundaries of what is possible with AR.