Violent actions opposing the British Government are contrary to Daas Torah
Autographed Letter by Rabbi Chaim Ozer Grodzinski. Vilna, 1939
A compelling letter by the leader of Torah Jewry Harav Chaim Ozer Grodzinki, Av Beis Din of Vilna, condemning the violence by the Jewish underground in Palestine in response to the issuance of the notorious White Paper of 1939.
The White Paper of 1939 was a policy paper issued by Britain’s Chamberlain government in response to the 1936–1939 Arab revolt in Palestine. The paper called for the establishment of a Jewish home in an independent Palestinian state within 10 years and limited Jewish immigration to 75,000 for five years after which further immigration would then be determined by the Arab majority. Jews were further restricted from buying Arab land in all but 5% of the Mandate. The paper was received with great disappointment by the Jewish residents who viewed it as a violation and retraction of the Balfour Declaration.
The Haganah and Etzel movements retaliated by launching violent attacks against the British, and there were rumors and concerns that yeshivah bachurim and members of the charedi Yishuv would join the underground movements.
In response, Harav Chaim Ozer Grodzinki dispatched this sharp letter declaring that “Acts of violence, terror, et al, are against the law, against the Torah, and they can cause great danger with their activities.”
This letter was sent to Harav Chaim Ozer’s talmid Harav Reuven Katz, Av Beis Din of Petach Tikvah.
Vilna, 1939. Personal stationery. last line and signature autograph by Rabbi Chaim Ozer.
Marginal tears with all text intact. Page size: 22×29 cm.
(Printed in Igros Rabbi Chaim Ozer Vol. 3 Letter #229)
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