Large collection of various documents and letters, from the archive of “Va’ad HaHatzala” [rescue committee] headed by Ga’on Rabbi Eliezer Silver and rabbis of “Agudat HaRabanim” [Union of Orthodox Rabbis], Holocaust years 1940-1948.
Letters by rabbis and pubic personalities to Rabbi Silver and copies of letters from Rabbi Eiezer Silver and Va’ad HaHatzala. Lists of people requiring care, including names of people in need of rescue. Majority of letters in this collection pertain to fundraising campaigns in various congregations throughout the United States. While the essence of rescue activity is alluded to in the letters in Torah codes, many letters from the secretary of committee, Rabbi Ya’akov Karlinsky, report in detail the progress of the activity. [Particular rabbis mentioned in letters as being active in committee operations are: Rabbi Yechiel Gordon, Rabbi Aharon Kotler, Rabbi Yitzchak Dvoretz and Rabbi Yisrael Rosenberg].
During period of Holocaust Rabbi Silver was among the initiators of the rescue operation for European Jewry and established “Va’ad HaHatzala” which was greatly active in benefit of European Jewry and Yeshiva students who escaped to Siberia and Shanghai in the Far East.
Hundreds of items, including dozens of signed letters. Various sizes and conditions. Paper of majority of letters dry and fragile.