Weizmann Extremely Rare handwritten Letter Supports The Jewish journal ‘Les Juifs’ Paris 1932

‘Les Juifs’ (The Jews), a historically significant French Jewish journal, holds a special place among the Jewish journalistic efforts to counter the rise of anti-Semitism in Europe and France. It emerged in 1933 amid the rise of the Nazi Party to power and found crucial support from Chaim Weizmann.

Initiated by the journalist Aharon Hezroni and a group of Jewish intellectuals, the journal featured works by the greatest Jewish minds of that time, including Einstein, Sholem Asch, Victor Basch, André Spire, Henri Torrès, Baron Melchett, and many others.

The letter is a response to Hezroni’s requests for help in funding the paper. Weizmann acknowledged the journal’s importance: ‘You are quite right with the idea for a good French-Jewish newspaper.’ Although immediate resources were scarce, he stated, ‘I do not have control over funds of this nature, but I will give the plan serious thought.’ Despite challenges, Weizmann committed to exploring avenues and arranged a meeting in Paris to craft a comprehensive plan. Not long after, the journal was established.

This rare letter from Weizmann in 1932 serves as a testament to the unwavering commitment of individuals like him, who recognized the importance of establishing new platforms for Zionist expression dissemination and activism against the anti-Semitic rise in Europe.

The Story of Chaim Weizmann Zionist leader and Israel’s first President