2008-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/31/2008
Rare "1918" dated printed broadside (5 ½ x 8 ½; blank on verso) headlined "RESOLUTION ADOPTED BY THE CENTRAL CONFERENCE OF AMERICAN RABBIS AT CHICAGO, JULY 4, 1918…ANENT THE BALFOUR DECLARATION" and printed names of 18 important American rabbis with Edward N. Calisch as "Chairman" (later president of that "Central Conference" and important roles in numerous other national Jewish organizations). Circular opens affirming "…grateful appreciation" to the British government and Mr. Balfour "…as an evidence of good-will towards the Jews"…and their support of immigration by Jews to Palestine "…who, either because of economic necessity or political or religious persecution desire to settle there." However, it imparts undisguised, harsh disapproval that "…Palestine is to be a national home-land for [those immigrants]." Their opposition is based on the belief that "…Jews of America are part of the American nation…the ideal is not the establishment of a Jewish state…not the re-assertion of Jewish nationality which has long been outgrown…our survival as a people is dependent upon the assertion…of our historic religious role and not upon acceptance of Palestine as a home-land." Broadsides are printed on fragile paper stock and in their near century of age have turned brownish in color, but are in exc.+ condition and definitely uncirculated (minor nick and tiny piece out on blank corner on one only). Here is a group of three of them absolutely fully guaranteed 100% authentic and not copies or re-prints. They have always been kept together. It is further recorded that the circular and the petition that accompanied it originally aroused many passions within the community and the Central Conference soon backed down from its unpopular dissent. All three together.
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