Date and Place: 14 Tevet 5670 (1909), Yafo
Recipient: Yoel Moshe Solomon, the leader of the Jerusalemites who founded the moshav of Petach Tikva, who continued to be active in settling the Land. This letter relates to the group from Bialystok, with whom Rav Kook previously discussed land in present-day Jordan.
Body: I wanted to tell you that Mr. Manishewitz from Bialystok, who came with Mr. Shatz of Lodg, on the matter of buying land in Eretz Yisrael, on behalf of a big association with significant resources, is now leaning toward acquiring land in Rafah (Rafiach in Hebrew, in today’s Gaza Strip), near El Arish, which is under British control. I agree with this. When I became aware that you know about this matter in detail, I thought to recommend to you to come here as soon as possible to discuss the matter with Mr. Manishewitz. Maybe Hashem will be with us, and we will be able to secure redemption of an important plot of land in the Holy Land.
I do not need to rush someone as diligent as you. If you cannot come today, let me know as soon as possible what your thoughts are about the association from Bialystok.
