Cohen Linaru, Roumanian Jew, Bequeathes over $2,000,000 to Zionist Fund

‘If I Do Not, Who Will?’ Is Testator’s Argument (Jewish Telegraphic Agency)

The largest sum ever bequeathed to the Keren Hayesod, the colonizing fund of the Zionist Organization, was left by Mr. Cohen Linaru, president of the Sephardic Jewish community of Bucharest, it was learned today when the will was filed for probate. The will bequeaths property valued at ten million lei (over $2,000,000) to the Keren Hayesod.

The will names the Board of Directors of the Keren Hayesod and the Roumanian delegate of the Keren Hayesod headquarters in London as the trustees of the fund. Should the Roumanian Government question the legality of the bequest because the Keren Hayesod is not recognized in Roumania as a judicial body, “I declare the British Government to be the legatee of the fund.” the will provides.

The contents of the will caused considerable surprise in Roumania’s capital, the testator never having been affiliated with the Zionist Organization or having contributed to Zionist funds.

The testament begins with the motto of Hillel the Sage, “Im Ein Ani Li, Mi Li” (If I do not for myself, who will?)

The testator suggests that the Keren Hayesod buy land to be distributed to Jewish workers, preferably Sephardim, with the sum bequeathed.