TLS in German, signed “A. Einstein,” one page, 5.25 x 6.25, Princeton Institute for Advanced Study letterhead, March 5, 1943. Letter to Lionel M. Ettlinger. In full (translated): “Please find attached the required statement for your naturalization.” In very good condition, with overall foxing and a tear to the upper right.
After leaving Germany himself before the start of the war, Einstein became a tremendous advocate for Jews seeking to escape Hitler’s reach and find asylum elsewhere—credited with saving hundreds of lives, he even joked that he ran an 'immigration office.' Like Einstein, Ettlinger was an activist in aiding Jewish refugees, and is said to have spent 80% of his personal wealth in finding safe havens for them. The two maintained correspondence over the course of many years, beginning in 1933. Ettlinger left Germany before 1939 and spent the war in the United States—it seems that Einstein submitted a supporting statement for Ettlinger, as he had done for countless others, to aid in the long legal process of immigration. A fantastic letter directly related to the genius’s humanitarian work in the face of the atrocities of World War II. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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