47. Einstein, Albert. Typed letter signed (“A. Einstein”), 1 page (11 x 8.5 in.; 279 x 216 mm.), Princeton, New Jersey, 28 March 1938, to Mr. Leopold Mannes, stationery embossed at head “A. Einstein, 112 Mercer Street, Princeton, New Jersey, U.S.A.”

Albert Einstein urges support for the fledgling Palestine Symphony Orchestra at a time when Hitler has just annexed Austria.

Einstein writes in full: Dear Mr. Mannes: Your name has been suggested to me as a lover of music. I know you will be interested, as I am interested, in the brilliant success that has been created by the Palestine Symphony Orchestra under the batons of Maestro Arturo Toscanini and other renowned conductors. The Palestine Symphony Orchestra, like any other symphony orchestra, must depend on friends for subsidy. I feel that among Jewish music lovers in the United States there are many who will feel so gratified with the accomplishments of the Palestine Symphony Orchestra that they will want it to become even a greater source of pride to Jewish cultural development. I am asking the executive secretary of the Palestine Orchestra Fund, American Committee, Inc. to send you some descriptive litera-ture under separate cover. May I ask you to please read it – and to feel with me the necessity to help? I am enclosing a subscription card with a self—addressed envelope. Checks may be made payable to the Palestine Orchestra Fund, Inc. May I have the privilege of hearing from you? Sincerely yours, A. Einstein

The Palestine Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1936 under the leadership of Bronislaw Huberman. The Palestine Symphony Orchestra and was made up of Jewish musicians from the top ranks of orchestra and chamber music groups across Europe. Nearly 80 musicians joined, with only a few already living in Palestine.

Huberman, a Polish violinist, at first envisioned an international center for the arts, but instead focused on developing a critically acclaimed symphony orchestra. Conditions in Europe had become such that the orchestra could serve as a haven for persecuted Jewish musicians. Those who moved from Europe brought their families, which meant Bronislaw Huberman’s efforts to found the orchestra under the threat of a pending Holocaust ultimately saved nearly 1,000 lives.

It was Arturo Toscanini, the greatest conductor of his time, who presided over the orchestra’s first performance in 1936. Italian-born Toscanini, who was not Jewish, despised Nazism and saw the formation of a Jewish orchestra as an act of defiance against Hitler.

In 1948, the orchestra changed its name to the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra.
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