אגודת ישראל בתקופת השואה – ארכיון מכתבים גדול

Large archive of (signed) letters and letter copies from representatives of "Agudath Israel" in various countries, 1943-1944. Extensive correspondence between centers of "Agudath Israel" in Eretz Israel, England, Switzerland, New York, Australia and Argentina, on matters of saving Jews from destruction and dealing with various refugee problems. Among other things, rescue methods were discussed, issuance of documents and transit permits for Jews, transfer of funds to various sources, attempts to save rebbes, rabbis and other figures, dealing with the emigration of yeshiva refugees in Shanghai and more. Letters from and to: Rabbi Hayyim Israel Ayss, Rabbi Isaac Meir Levin, Rabbi Jacob Rosenheim, Harry Goodman, Jacob Griftel and others. Letters from "Agudath Israel" organizations in Budapest, letters to "Agudath Israel" figures in Romania and to other bodies. From the letters emerge many details about the efforts made within "Agudath Israel" to save European Jews, about the tensions and disputes with other parties engaged in this, as well as internal disagreements within "Agudath Israel" itself. From the archive: "The emissaries who just arrived in Eretz Israel reported shocking details, according to what they reported the number of Jews destroyed reaches millions precisely, and who knows how many will remain of the ten million Jews in conquered Europe, they are calculating on the loss of 5-6 million Jews, the tragedy of our people is terrible and dreadful, only the Jews in Hungary and Romania remained for refuge, and even on them hovers the flame of the sword that turns..." (letter to Jacob Rosenheim. 13 Tevet {year}). "...New rescue! Until today 135 Jews from East Galicia have been saved to Romania! I cannot write about the ways of rescue because the hand of Israel is in the midst, the price is unfortunate - 40 dollars per person..." (Hayyim Israel Hayss, letter to Jacob Griftel – representative of Agudath Israel in Turkey, 26.10.43). More than 200 letters. Various sizes. General condition good.