- 244
Einstein, Albert
Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- Typed letter signed ("A. Einstein") to Mr. Shepard Rifkin, Executive Director, American Friends of the Fighters for the Freedom of Israel, New York, 10 April, 1948
- paper, ink
1 page (8 1/2 x 11 in.) signed "A. Einstein", in English, on personal stationary blind-stamped with Einstein's home address on Mercer Street, Princeton, N.J. Creases where previously folded, edges toned and with some small chips, some remnants of cello tape and resulting stains to verso, small repaired closed tear. With typed and annotated letter from Rifkin dated 4 March 2006, explaining the circumstances of the letter.
Provenance
Sotheby's, lot 159, 21 June 2007
Literature
'Einstein Archives Online', 92-587
Condition
1 page (8 1/2 x 11 in.) signed "A. Einstein" in English, on personal stationary blind-stamped with Einstein's home address on Mercer Street, Princeton, N.J. Creases where previously folded, edges toned and with some small chips, some remnants of cello tape and resulting stains to verso, small repaired closed tear. With typed and annotated letter from Rifkin dated 4 March 2006, explaining the circumstances of the letter.
The lot is sold in the condition it is in at the time of sale. The condition report is provided to assist you with assessing the condition of the lot and is for guidance only. Any reference to condition in the condition report for the lot does not amount to a full description of condition. The images of the lot form part of the condition report for the lot provided by Sotheby's. Certain images of the lot provided online may not accurately reflect the actual condition of the lot. In particular, the online images may represent colours and shades which are different to the lot's actual colour and shades. The condition report for the lot may make reference to particular imperfections of the lot but you should note that the lot may have other faults not expressly referred to in the condition report for the lot or shown in the online images of the lot. The condition report may not refer to all faults, restoration, alteration or adaptation because Sotheby's is not a professional conservator or restorer but rather the condition report is a statement of opinion genuinely held by Sotheby's. For that reason, Sotheby's condition report is not an alternative to taking your own professional advice regarding the condition of the lot.
The lot is sold in the condition it is in at the time of sale. The condition report is provided to assist you with assessing the condition of the lot and is for guidance only. Any reference to condition in the condition report for the lot does not amount to a full description of condition. The images of the lot form part of the condition report for the lot provided by Sotheby's. Certain images of the lot provided online may not accurately reflect the actual condition of the lot. In particular, the online images may represent colours and shades which are different to the lot's actual colour and shades. The condition report for the lot may make reference to particular imperfections of the lot but you should note that the lot may have other faults not expressly referred to in the condition report for the lot or shown in the online images of the lot. The condition report may not refer to all faults, restoration, alteration or adaptation because Sotheby's is not a professional conservator or restorer but rather the condition report is a statement of opinion genuinely held by Sotheby's. For that reason, Sotheby's condition report is not an alternative to taking your own professional advice regarding the condition of the lot.
Catalogue Note
Einstein condemns the Lohamei Herut Yisrael (Fighters for the Freedom of Israel).He writes, in full:
"Dear Sir,
"When a real and final catastrophe should befall us in Palestine the first responsible for it would be the British and the second responsible for it the Terrorist organizations build [sic] up from our own ranks. I am not willing to see anybody associated with those misled and criminal people.
"Sincerely yours, Albert Einstein."
According to the accompanying letter, the "American Friends of the Fighters for the Freedom of Israel" was formed for the purpose of promoting the anti-British ideas of the Stern Gang, and raising money in America to buy weapons to drive the British out of Palestine. Rifkin was appointed "executive director" or in Rifkin's words "what we call in American — the fall guy." He was asked by Benjamin Gepner, a commander visiting the United States, to ask Einstein for his help. This Rifkin did against his better judgement and the above letter is Einstein's response.
"Dear Sir,
"When a real and final catastrophe should befall us in Palestine the first responsible for it would be the British and the second responsible for it the Terrorist organizations build [sic] up from our own ranks. I am not willing to see anybody associated with those misled and criminal people.
"Sincerely yours, Albert Einstein."
According to the accompanying letter, the "American Friends of the Fighters for the Freedom of Israel" was formed for the purpose of promoting the anti-British ideas of the Stern Gang, and raising money in America to buy weapons to drive the British out of Palestine. Rifkin was appointed "executive director" or in Rifkin's words "what we call in American — the fall guy." He was asked by Benjamin Gepner, a commander visiting the United States, to ask Einstein for his help. This Rifkin did against his better judgement and the above letter is Einstein's response.