Lost Letter On Zionism From ‘Father of the Chinese Nation’ Surfaces

NLI archivist Rachel Misrati explained that while N.E.B. Ezra passed away in 1936, “the fact the letter arrived in 1938 at latest indicates that – like many Zionist figures of the period – Ezra himself may have bequeathed it to the Library, or perhaps someone came across it after his death and sent it to us after determining that the National Library was its rightful home.”

The letter recently surfaced as part of a major National Library of Israel initiative, supported by the Leir Foundation, to review and describe millions of items in its archival collections, including personal papers, photographs, and documents from many of the 20th century’s most prominent figures.

The initiative is part of the Library’s current renewal, which includes next year’s opening of a new campus adjacent to the Knesset (Israeli Parliament) in Jerusalem. Founded in 1892, the National Library of Israel (NLI) serves as the dynamic institution of national memory of the Jewish people worldwide and Israelis of all backgrounds and faiths. 

While continuing to serve as Israel’s pre-eminent research library, NLI has recently embarked on the renewal project to open access to its treasures and encourage diverse audiences in Israel and around the globe to engage with them in new and meaningful ways. This is taking place through a range of innovative educational, cultural, and digital initiatives, as well as through a new landmark complex designed by Herzog and de Meuron. The new home of the NLI, currently under construction adjacent to the Knesset (Israeli Parliament) in Jerusalem, is on schedule to open its doors in 2022.

For more information and to view the scanned letter and other downloadable images, click here.