Archive of 120+ Letters Re: Republican Ties to American Jewish Voters and Relations with Israel

An extensive archive of more than 120 letters, meticulously organized in a large white binder, to Bernard Katzen (1901-1986) from prominent Republicans and Israeli officials. Katzen was an important Republican liaison to the Jewish community, active in Republican politics since Tom Dewey's 1944 race. Katzen was once employed by the Republican National Committee in the Ethnic Division to cultivate stronger political ties to ethnic groups and specifically to the Jewish Community. He served as president of the International Association of Jewish Lawyers and Jurists, and also as a long-time appointee to the New York Commission Against Discrimination, which became the Commission for Human Rights, for which he was appointed NYS Commissioner. Katzen was particularly close with Tom Dewey and Jacob Javits, but had strong ties with other political leaders, including Richard Nixon.

Of particular interest are the following letters, which center around the 1968 presidential campaign and Nixon transition:

1) Richard M. Nixon (1913-1994) typed letter signed, "Dick", 1p, on Vice Presidential stationery, 7" x 9", Washington, January 7, 1957. To Bernard Katzen, in part, “I am particularly appreciative of the radio address which you gave on Sunday, October 28 and I am sure it was effective. As you well know, the charge against me of anti-Semitism continues to crop up.” Expected mailing fold, in fine condition.

2) Menachem Begin (1913-1992) typed letter signed, "M. Begin", 1p, as Minister of the Cabinet of Israel, 6.5" x 8.25", Jerusalem, November 21, 1968.  Responding to a post-election report from Katzen on Nixon’s view towards Israel, Begin writes, in part, “We all hope for acts of friendship, as expressed by the President-elect in so clear a way.” Central vertical mailing fold, tear at top left edge from previous stapling, else in near fine condition.

3) Abba Eban (1915-2002) typed letter signed, "Abba", 1p, on Minister for Foreign Affairs letterhead, "8.5" x 10.75", Jerusalem, November 18, 1968. Eban writes to Katzen, in part, "Since then the American people has made its choice, and you can pride yourself in having helped in securing the election of Mr. Nixon.” Includes original transmittal envelope. Expected mailing folds, staple holes at top left, a few small tears at edges, light toning and minor soiling, else in very good to near fine condition.

4) Richard M. Nixon (1913-1994) typed letter signed, "Dick", 1p, on his personal letterhead, 7.25" x 10.5", New York, November 15, 1967. To Bernard Katzen, comparing impressions of Israel in the wake of the '67 war, in part, “Recently, I wrote a brief piece for the American Zionist, covering some reflections of my visit to Israel and I will have my aide, Pat Buchanan, send along a copy..." Folds and some very light soiling, else in fine condition. Boldly signed.

5) Gerald R. Ford (1913-2006) typed letter signed, "Jerry”, 1p, on Congressional letterhead, 8" x 10.5", Washington, November 21, 1967. To Bernard Katzen, marked "Personal", discussing relations in the Middle East, in part, It seems to me -- and your report confirms it -- that we need to take a whole new look at the conflict between Israel and the Arab nations, particularly the U.A.R. and Syria, not as an isolated regional rivalry in which we can play both sides evenly but in the context of the global great power struggle to which we are so deeply committee in Vietnam and elsewhere. I hope a resurgent Republican party can be the vehicle for such a reappraisal of our commitments...” Folds and creasing, else in fine condition with a bold signature.

6) George H. W. Bush (1924-2018) typed letter signed, "George Bush", 1p, on Congressional letterhead, 6" x 9", Washington, October 28, 1968. To Bernard Katzen, in full, “Thank you for that information on Nixon. I have forwarded it all to Dave White of the Jewish Herald-Voice with a little personal word that he might find it interesting. It's excellent and I hope it does some good." Expected folds, very light wear, else in fine condition.

7) Henry Kissinger (b. 1923) typed letter signed, "Henry A. Kissinger", 1p, on President-elect letterhead, 8.5" x 11", New York, December 30, 1968. To Bernard Katzen, in part, "I would like very much to get together with you to talk over the Middle East, but since it is unlikely that I will be in Washington for any extended period until after the inauguration, I wonder if we could wait until sometime in February for such a meeting?" Folds with minor separation at right edge, creasing, light toning, else in near fine condition. 

8) Nelson Rockefeller (1908-1979) typed letter signed, “Nelson”, 1p, as Governor of New York, 7.25" x 10.25", Albany, June 17, 1971. To Bernard Katzen, in full, "Thanks for sending me your letter to the Editor of the Washington EVENING STAR regarding Tome Dewey's participation in the formation of Israel. I found your account of the 1948 events most interesting." Folds, staining, else in near fine condition.

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This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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