Description:

Einstein Albert

Albert Einstein TLS: "It is well known that the refugee intellectuals of the Hitler persecution have nearly all found opportunity for work in this country"

 

1p typed letter signed by theoretical physicist Albert Einstein (1879-1955) as "A. Einstein." at lower right. Written in Princeton, New Jersey on April 3, 1951. On watermarked cream stationery with personal embossed letterhead "A. Einstein, / 112, Mercer Street / Princeton, / New Jersey, U.S.A." Expected light paper folds, and a few paper clip impressions at upper left, else near fine. 8.5" x 11".

 

Joseph Halle Schaffner (1897-1972), the recipient of this letter, had proposed seting up a foundation bearing Einstein's name. Schaffner, a Harvard University graduate, was the director of a Chicago clothing store chain and was active on the board of the graduate faculty of the New School. This institution hosted its so-called "University in Exile" program for scholars fleeing Nazi Germany.

 

Einstein had initially proposed that he "use these funds for the benefit of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem", but realized "that the available money would not be enough to put up a special foundation within the framework of an university institution which you thought to connect with my name." Having pondered the matter more fully, Einstein reached a different conclusion.

 

"It is well known that the refugee intellectuals of the Hitler persecution have nearly all found opportunity for work in this country. However, many of them were already middle-aged when they arrived and there are emergency cases produced by illness and old age which constitute a permanent worry for those of us who are in a more favorable position. It may be known to you that there exists a Committee in Aid of Displaced Foreign Scholars, headed by Mrs. Else Staudinger, which has successfully tried to mitigate this situation. I believe there could be no more satisfactory use for the money than to give it in the form of a private foundation to this organization with the proviso that the funds should be used for such emergency cases of old age and illness. Such foundation could bear my name I conformity with our earlier intentions if you find it desirable. If you should decide according to this suggestion you would produce something good and worthwhile and earn the gratitude of all concerned."

 

As Hitler's anti-Jewish regulations and segregation laws forced thousands to flee, the international community welcomed an influx of well-educated immigrants, trained in a variety of distinguished jobs in civil service, university and legal positions, and scientific research fields. Countless organizations were founded to help integrate these highly valuable new citizens into society upon their arrival. Einstein, the most well-known and visible Jewish refugee, worked on behalf of dozens of such organizations, including the American Council for Emigrés in the Professions. The Council, founded by Hans Staudinger, dean of the New School for Social Research, and his wife Elsa, was established to help scientists and intellectuals. By the end of the 1950s, the Council had helped more than 3,000 refugees secure jobs and live healthy, productive lives.

 

An excellent letter showing the considerable extent of Einstein's philanthropy!

 

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

 

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