1. Hoping to Create a Kosher Ship to Palestine – #197
Recipient: Yekutiel Menkowitz, a wealthy Jew from Vilna, who had great love for the Yishuv in Eretz Yisrael and was in touch with many of its leaders.
Body: I received long ago your dear letter about the idea of making one of the [European] ships kosher. I “knocked on several doors” on the matter looking for supporters and helpers. Unfortunately, “the gates” have not yet opened for me, as each one exaggerates and says it is impossible. I personally have not given up hope and am prepared to act on this matter as best I can.
I have just given letters to a rabbinic emissary to take to the council in Odessa and the Russian [shipping] agency there. We will see what Hashem will have come of it. I share your conviction that this would increase the number of wealthy Jews and Jewish leaders to come to the Holy Land. On the heels of such people, who are blessed in Hashem’s eyes, there will be a blessing to the Holy Land and a great strengthening of the emerging liberation of Israel, with Hashem’s help.
