Tzava’ah fun 93 Kedoshoth [last will and testament of 93 Beis-Ya’akov girls who killed themselves rather than be forced into Nazi prostitution].

(HOLOCAUST).

circa

Arad, Rumania

1943

Yiddish text. Single page, on stationery of Mercaz Agudath Israel of Romania.

The remarkable letter reporting that 93 Beth-Ya’akov students and teachers killed themselves, rather than be forced into a Nazi brothel. Issued by the Agudath Israel of Arad, Romania and noting that the letter was sent from Bergen Belsen to Rabbi Dr. Yitzchak Lewin. The Agudath Israel of Arad adds: “Jewish Sisters! How can you fulfill their wish? By joining the ranks of Bnos Agudas Israel. Yearn to live the life for which they died.” News of this letter reached the United States and Eretz Israel and was broadly reported, including in the New York Times (January 8, 1943). The dramatic incident became the inspiration for many prayers and poems. In regard to the veracity of the event, see J.T. Baumol-Schwartz and J.J. Schacter, The 93 Beth Jacob Girls of Cracow: History or Typology? In: Reverence, Righteousness, and Rahamanut, Essays in Memory of Rabbi Dr. Leo Jung (1992) pp. 93-130. Accompanied by: “93.” A memorial booklet issued “in memory of girls who symbolized bravery, purity and modesty.” pp. 32. Hebrew text. Published by the "Committee to Protect the Honor of the Daughters of Israel." Tel Aviv, 1943. The booklet contains speeches, prayers and songs contributed by the entire gamut of Israeli society from Prof. Joseph Klausner, Dr. A. Kaminka, Prof. Fischel Schneerson, the poet Abraham Broides, to the Chief Rabbis of Tel Aviv Amiel and Toledano, as well as by Rabbi Moshe Blau. Streets in Tel Aviv and Petach Tikva were named "The 93" based upon this pamphlet.