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EINSTEIN, Albert. Autograph letter signed ("A. Einstein") to Edward Sayag in Paris; Antwerp, 29 March 1933. 2½ pages, 4to, with envelope in author's hand, in German.
EINSTEIN IN EXILE: "FIRST OF ALL I AM STILL A GERMAN CITIZEN, AND SECOND I AM JEWISH"
A very fine, very thoughtful letter, explaining his unwillingness to participate in an anti-Nazi rally, likening himself to Emile Zola, and reflecting upon his moral position, as a German and a jew, on the Nazi persectutions of jews in his homeland. Einstein was at the time living in exile: "I have very carefully considered your important question concerning this crucial subject in every facet, and have decided that I must not take part in this highly important demonstration ['manifestation'] for two reasons: First of all I am still a German citizen, and second I am jewish. Concerning the first point I have to add that I have worked in German institutions for nineteen years and ...have always been treated as a trusted person. No matter how I regret the terrible and reprehensible things happening in Germany, no matter how I condemn the regulations ordered or at least approved by the government, I may not take part personally in an event organized by official members of a foreign government." In justifying his position, he cites the Dreyfus case: "If...Zola at the time of the Dreyfus affair would have had to leave France he would not have taken part personally in a protest by German officials, no matter how he would have agreed with them in objective points of view. He would have limited himself to feeling ashamed for his people." He believes "it is more valuable if the protest against unrighteousness and atrocity is directed by persons whose role is only impelled by feelings of humanity and passion for justice...[For] a man like myself, a jew...ill-treatment ['ungerechtigkeiten'] of jews is like ill-treatment directed against myself...I may add that I always admired and adored the development of the sense or the passion for justice, as one of the most eminent traits of the tradition of the French people...To all of you that take part in this noble cause my thankfulness and my sympathy."
EINSTEIN IN EXILE: "FIRST OF ALL I AM STILL A GERMAN CITIZEN, AND SECOND I AM JEWISH"
A very fine, very thoughtful letter, explaining his unwillingness to participate in an anti-Nazi rally, likening himself to Emile Zola, and reflecting upon his moral position, as a German and a jew, on the Nazi persectutions of jews in his homeland. Einstein was at the time living in exile: "I have very carefully considered your important question concerning this crucial subject in every facet, and have decided that I must not take part in this highly important demonstration ['manifestation'] for two reasons: First of all I am still a German citizen, and second I am jewish. Concerning the first point I have to add that I have worked in German institutions for nineteen years and ...have always been treated as a trusted person. No matter how I regret the terrible and reprehensible things happening in Germany, no matter how I condemn the regulations ordered or at least approved by the government, I may not take part personally in an event organized by official members of a foreign government." In justifying his position, he cites the Dreyfus case: "If...Zola at the time of the Dreyfus affair would have had to leave France he would not have taken part personally in a protest by German officials, no matter how he would have agreed with them in objective points of view. He would have limited himself to feeling ashamed for his people." He believes "it is more valuable if the protest against unrighteousness and atrocity is directed by persons whose role is only impelled by feelings of humanity and passion for justice...[For] a man like myself, a jew...ill-treatment ['ungerechtigkeiten'] of jews is like ill-treatment directed against myself...I may add that I always admired and adored the development of the sense or the passion for justice, as one of the most eminent traits of the tradition of the French people...To all of you that take part in this noble cause my thankfulness and my sympathy."