A large leather suitcase (made by Shwayder company in the USA) of Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneerson, the Rebbe Rayatz of Lubavitch. With this suitcase he sailed aboard the SS Drottningholm, as he fled German-occupied Europe.
An original luggage label of the Swedish passenger shipping line is affixed to the outer wall of the suitcase (on the sticker are printed the name of the ship – Drottningholm, and the name of the transatlantic shipping line between Sweden and the USA – "Swedish American Line / Svenska Amerika Linien").
Letter of authenticity enclosed (handwritten note, in English), signed in Hebrew by Rebbetzin Chana Gurary (1899-1991), eldest daughter of Rebbe Rayatz: "I hereby gift… my father's suitcase with which he arrived to the U.S.A. in March 1940". Dated - February 25, 1990.
The Miraculous Escape of the Rebbe Rayatz from Nazi Occupied Europe
In 1939, with the outbreak of WWII, Rebbe Rayatz, his mother Rebbetzin Shterna Sarah, his wife Rebbetzin Nechama Dina, and his daughter Rebbetzin Chana and her husband, R. Shemaryahu Gurary, were stranded in Warsaw under German occupation, their lives in great danger. During these perilous times, the Rayatz was forced to flee from house to house, seeking shelter from the bombings, and rumors spread that he was caught and executed by the Germans. After the intervention of the US government, and with the assistance of several German officers, the Rayatz succeeded in fleeing Warsaw, together with an entourage of about 20 family members and friends.
After several months of travail and wandering, they left occupied Europe in Adar I, 1940 and sailed to the US on board the SS Drottningholm.
On Monday, 8th Adar II 1940, after sailing the seas for 12 days, Rebbe Rayatz arrived in New York. On 9th Adar II, following a short reception at the port, the Rayatz arrived at his temporary quarters – Room 609 at the Greystone Hotel on Broadway and 91st Street in Manhattan NY.
Approx. 67X32X22 cm. Good condition. Blemishes, scuffs, tears and wear.
PLEASE NOTE: Item description was shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to Hebrew text.
