Jewish Agency For Palestine In Berlin

In 1929, the Jewish Agency for Palestine was officially created by the 16th Zionist Congress, held in Zurich, Switzerland. The agency included several Jewish non-Zionist individuals and organizations interested in a Jewish settlement in Palestine. They were philanthropic rather than political, and many opposed talk of a Jewish State.

Berlin Office Jewish Agency Palestine Berlin

The document is crucial, reflecting the Jewish Agency’s work in Berlin during the Nazi era. The office, located in a house bought by the “Jewish Review” in 1925, served as the central organ for the Zionist Federation of Germany. Until their prohibition in 1938, it was the primary communication outlet for German Jews. Despite closing in 1941, the agency facilitated immigration for about 50,000 people to Palestine, saving lives threatened by the Holocaust.

The Document

The document confirms to Mr. Gustav Liebling, a German Jew, that a travel credit letter to immigrate to Palestine until January 1937 was granted. The letter itself was issued in December 1936. Since April 1933, just a few months after the Nazis came into power, several “Jewish” restrictions were already in force. Mr. Liebling, I guess, has foreseen that life for Jews in Germany will become impossible and took early actions for an emigration.

In July 1937, the Nazis restricted Jewish passports. By October 1938, Jews’ passports had a red “J.” During WWII, leaving Nazi Germany became nearly impossible for Jews.

Jewish Agency For Palestine In Berlin documents are a rare find, and I am glad to share this important document with you. Jewish Agency Palestine Berlin

Early Laissez-Passer > Government of Palestine, 1924

Tom Topol | Passport History Expert & Author.
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