For years Jewish Daily Bulletin readers have turned to us for various types of information.
A. A. Gruzenberg, attorney who defended Mendel Beilis in the ritual murder trial of 1913 at Kiev, has made public the last letter written to him by Beilis, who died at Saratoga Springs, an almost forgotten man, on July 8. The letter is dated from Bronx, N. Y., April 24, and says in part:
“I can never forget you. In your works then you suffered just as I did, and your great pride and courage gave me much strength.
“I remember very well when you, my dear friend, came to me when I was in the prison at Lukianov. When I saw you for the first time I was immediately comforted. I am happy. God permitted me to live and I am able to write to you. I have not lived a single day without mentioning you.
“I read in an American newspaper what you wrote. (The reference is to a series of articles on the occasion of the twentieth anniversary of the Beilis case, written by Mr. Gruzenberg and carried last Spring in both European and American Yiddish newspapers.) At each word I shed tears, and I kissed each of your words, dear friend.
“I have published a book about my life. The book was written in Yiddish and may also be had in English.
“I hope that you will read the book, so you will become aware of many things I am now experiencing and you will be able to ask me many questions which may interest you.
“I end my letter hoping that it finds you in the best of health.
“Mendel Beilis.
“My family sends you very best regards.
“I have been ill for two years now. Please send me your address.”
For years Jewish Daily Bulletin readers have turned to us for various types of information.
JTA has documented Jewish history in real-time for over a century. Keep our journalism strong by joining us in supporting independent, award-winning reporting.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.