Letter from Jacob Birnbaum about Operation Jericho in Washington, D.C. (1965)

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Letter from Jacob Birnbaum about Plans for Soviet Jewry Activism (1964)

Dear Rabbi Lamm, It is now time I let you have a short report of what has been happening here since our Lower East Side Rally, which was our fifteenth “action” (Oct. 18). We have sponsored an all-New York campus course, two big campus rallies, given several lectures, are in the process of setting up an important spearhead in Boro Park, and are preparing for several more campus meetings in the next few weeks. Practically all the campus leaders have been trained by me. I am frequently asked for guidance and materials from all over the country. I have just spent a few days in an important region outside N.Y. where I outlined a systematic program for the coming months culminating in a community-wide effort at the beginning of May. My efforts were concentrated in three directions: the adult community, the universities, and the youth groups, for each of whom I shaped up programs.If I had the means and the time, I could do this in many other areas. But I am tied down by the most elementary chores. True, small monies are coming in, and by saving on an office and secretarial assistance, expenditure is covered with a little left over. This is a ridiculous situation considering our great potential as a movement of awakening, particularly among young people. Despite all the talk, the alienation of the campus from Judaism is very great, yet my experience around the world in recent years has proven to me that there is now present an underlying potential which can be roused, shaped, and crystallized.Both in the case of our young people and even more in regard to Russian Jewry, opportunities have now opened up before us which will leave us with a great burden of guilt if we pass them by.I wrote to Rabbi Tibor Stern of Florida asking him to become an Honorary Patron with a view to getting some help from his wealthy contacts at a later stage, but there was no reply. Perhaps you could talk to him. In a phone conversation a couple of weeks ago, you were good enough to promise to look …

Soviet Jewry

Letter from Jacob Birnbaum about Jericho March Outside the United Nations (1965)

Western Union Telegram: Student Struggle for Soviet Jewry cordially invites your participation in Jericho March around Soviet Mission, Sunday, April 4th, 1:00 PM. Assembly: 67th and Lexington, 2:20. Procession to United Nations for rally: Hammarskjöld Plaza, East 47. May we expect you or representative and receive message? Jacob Birnbaum, 44 Whitehall, Room 205.

Soviet Jewry

Letter to Jacob Birnbaum Praising Him for Work on Behalf of Soviet Jewry (1965)

Telegram (Sent for deliverance 4/4/65): God speed on your sacred work in awakening conscience world to plight of soviet jewry.

Soviet Jewry