Lengthy letter (65 lines), on aerogram, handwritten and signed by R. Aharon Kotler, dean of the Lakewood yeshiva in the United States. New York, Av [July] 1960.
Addressed to R. Yechezkel Abramsky in London, then a leader of the Moetzet Gedolei HaTorah in Eretz Israel, who was visiting his family in London at the time. The letter addresses the Independent Education System (Chinuch Atzma'i) in Israel, mentioning R. Zalman Sorotzkin, R. Moshe Feinstein, the Rebbe of Kopitchnitz, R. Teitz, R. Joseph B. Soloveitchik, rabbinic organizations in the United States, and various philanthropists and activists.
R. Aharon Kotler describes the activities in the United States opposing the Poalei Agudat Yisrael's attempt to abolish the independence of the Independent Education System. R. Kotler asks R. Abramsky to engage the rabbis and Beit Din of London to join the worldwide activities opposing the changes.
R. Aharon sharply criticizes the Poalei Agudat Yisrael movement, which at that time joined the Mapai coalition, calling it "a terrible betrayal" and adding that it was a conclusive parting of ways with the Orthodox community.
Towards the end of the letter, R. Aharon opposes a joint fundraiser with Mizrachi, and concludes with blessings and his signature, "Aharon Kotler".
R. Aharon Kotler (1892-1962), disciple of the Alter of Slabodka, famous for his brilliance (while he was still a young student, the Or Sameach predicted that he would be the "R. Akiva Eger" of the next generation). He was the son-in-law of R. Isser Zalman Meltzer. He served as lecturer and dean of the Slutsk yeshiva, and during World War I, he fled with the yeshiva students to Poland, reestablishing the yeshiva in Kletsk. He was one of the yeshiva deans closely associated with R. Chaim Ozer and the Chafetz Chaim. A founder of Vaad HaYeshivot and member of the Moetzet Gedolei HaTorah in Lithuania. During the Holocaust, he escaped to the United States, and established the famous Lakewood yeshiva in New Jersey (a yeshiva which revolutionized the yeshiva world in the United States, by inculcating its students with the passion and absolute devotion to Torah study which was typical of Lithuanian yeshivot). He was one of the heads of the Moetzet Gedolei HaTorah in the United States, and dedicated much of his later years to activity on behalf of the Independent Education System in Eretz Israel.
Aerogram. 30.5X18.5 cm. Written on almost all parts. Good condition. Folding marks and few tears.
