ALS in German, signed “A. Einstein,” one page, 8.5 x 11, April 17, 1922. Handwritten letter to Edmond de Rothschild, thanking him for his financial gift. Rothschild, a Zionist philanthropist since the end of the 19th century, had just given the scientist a sum of money which Einstein considered a symbol 'of liberation and independence.' In full (translated): "Very respected Baron Rothschild! My visit to you will remain engraved in my memory forever. Your words as a great Jewish guide whose intelligence is entirely at the service of his goodness will accompany me forever, just like your generous gesture which totally embarrasses me. You handed me a small leather briefcase in the hallway, the contents of which mean something precious to me: liberation and independence. I thank you with the assurance that I will remain aware of the responsibility brought by this present. With the expression of my deep admiration." In fine condition.
At the dawn of the 1920s, Einstein—internationally admired for his scientific discoveries—was asked by Chaim Weizmann, leader of the World Zionist Organization, to raise the funds necessary to support the Jewish people and their settlement in Palestine. The scientist dedicated himself body and soul to this cause and undertook, throughout 1921, a tour on American soil calling for unwavering support for the Jewish cause. It was in this circumstance that he met, in Paris, on April 7, 1922, an early Zionist proselyte, Baron Edmond de Rothschild (1845–1934). 'Yesterday I visited Rothschild who gave me a briefcase full of money. A clever man,' he confided the next day to his wife Elsa. This letter from Einstein—the only one known addressed to Rothschild—was transmitted through his friend Maurice Solovine. Indeed, Einstein, returning to Berlin, had lost the philanthropist's address.
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