"Who cares about that stuff? This is America, not Jerusalem. I'm an American. Let Harry be a Jew"

The quote, attributed to Arnold Rothstein, shows an intricate interaction of identity, nationalism, and cultural separation prevalent in early 20th-century America. Rothstein, an infamous figure in American history understood for his participation in the mob and gambling, succinctly records the tension in between cultural heritage and nationwide identity in this statement.

The expression "Who appreciates that stuff?" suggests a dismissive mindset toward either spiritual or cultural practices and norms that are ruled out integral to the American identity. This indicates a prioritization of a particular nationwide identity over multicultural or varied ethnic backgrounds. Rothstein's termination shows a wider cultural belief in America throughout his time, where melting pot ideology was popular, and assimilation was often expected or encouraged.

"This is America, not Jerusalem" underscores a delineation between the geographical and cultural identity of being American and the historical and spiritual identity linked to Jerusalem, often related to Judaism. Rothstein's specific mention of Jerusalem-- an ancient city considerable in Jewish history and religious beliefs-- may be construed as a rejection of traditionalism and religious association in favor of a secular or nationalistic American identity.

In stating "I'm an American," Rothstein asserts his main identification with the nation-state of America over any ethnic or religious subset. It shows a sense of coming from a country conceived as a land of opportunity, where traditional identities are secondary to national identity.

Finally, "Let Harry be a Jew" communicates a degree of allowance or resignation relating to individuality choices. It acknowledges Harry's cultural or spiritual identity but separates it from Rothstein's own picked identity as an American. This separation can be analyzed as a reflection of individual autonomy in identity or an acknowledgment of heterogeneous identities within American society.

Eventually, Rothstein's declaration exposes the complexities of identity settlement in a multicultural society. It underscores the ongoing discussion between individual heritage and nationwide identity, where assimilation, cultural retention, and individual option coexist and sometimes conflict within the American narrative.