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Correspondence

June 1971

Exchange with Congressman Ryan about Yiddish Broadcast of Voice of America in Soviet Union (1971)

Soviet Jewry

1. Congressman Ryan to R. Lamm

1. Congressman Ryan to R. Lamm (June 14, 1971)

1. Congressman Ryan to R. Lamm (June 14, 1971)

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Exchange with R. Gertz about Lack of Communication for Russian Jewry Advocacy (1972)

Dear Dr. Gertz: I must confess to you my disappointment in the development of the Russian Jewry project. It started with so much promise and enthusiasm, that my frustration now is all the greater. If you recall, I promised to help in the project, provided that there would be someone to take the leadership in this country, and that there would be genuine coordination and further progress on the Israeli side. Neither of these has eventuated. I have personally raised, in my own congregation and from few friends in the vicinity over $7,000, most of which I have now sent to Rabbi Kalman for his purposes under the arrangement. All I have seen is a big public announcement by Agudah, Young Israel, etc. Yet, we specifically agreed that funds were to be coordinated both in fundraising and in expenditures. Now from all reports reaching me from Israel, our group remains a paper organization, and everyone is off on his own little campaign. Under such circumstances, I would rather contribute what little I can to a smaller group whose activities I am acquainted than to a larger group which seems incohesive and therefore ineffective, despite the great note of significance it has. I hope, Dr. Gertz, that you will not fault me for being overly frank. I am long in the Orthodox Jewish community, and I have experienced this malady. We Orthodox Jews seem to have a knack for confronting historic challenges with our heads in the ground. I do not wish to indulge myself before one who I know is sensitive to this malady, but perhaps something can eventually be achieved before it is too late. My best wishes for a happy Pesach.Cordially,Rabbi Norman Lamm
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Exchange with R. Green about Soviet Jewry Lecture Series (1969)

Dear Norman, When you were here last September, I mentioned a Soviet-Jewry series that I was going to prepare. The series is now scheduled for March 13, 20, 27. I am enclosing a copy of the first draft of our program. We will plan to combine two sessions each evening. It is my hope to have two representatives from every congregation and Jewish organization in attendance. The program is being co-sponsored by the Philadelphia Jewish Relations Council. During the past months we have had a lunchtime discussion group led by Rabbi Yaakov Homnick; the idea for which was prompted by the class you are giving at the 92nd Street Y. We have had 16 people indicating interest in attending, their busy schedules prevented no more than three or four from coming each week. We will have to go out now and find other people who are not as busy to sign up as well. The program has been well received and we will continue with it. Please give my best regards to Mindy. Marge and the girls are doing well and have taken a great liking to Philadelphia. I hope to see you again sometime soon. With all best wishes, Rabbi Sidney Green, Director, Adult Education
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Exchange with R. Kowalsky about Advocacy for Dr. Schapira's Emigration from Soviet Russia (1972)

Dear Sholem: I am sending you enclosed xeroxes of correspondence I have had with Rabbi Shalom Schapiro of Tel Aviv. He has written to me about his son, scientist in Belgorod Oblastnoi, with his family, who wants to emigrate to Israel. They have been turned down for the fifth time now and Dr. Schapiro has been out of work for several months. There are two things I would like to ask from you: first, to have the RCA cable President Nixon, Dr. Kurt Waldheim, and Ambassador Dobrynin asking for his release. Second, to arrange for a package to be sent to Dr. Schapiro in Belgorod. Please let me know if anything can be done for him. Cordially, Rabbi Norman Lamm
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