Letter sent by Rabbi Chaim Flesch, Rabbi of Kanitz, to Rabbi Shmuel Salant regarding meetings he had with ministers of the Austrian Empire regarding the Jews of Jerusalem [1908[.
Rabiner Dr. H. Flesch wrote and signed the letter in Hebrew. It mentions many ministers in the Austrian royal court, whom he met regarding the affairs of the Jews of Jerusalem. This apparently relates to the request for Austrian patronage for the Jews of Jerusalem in relation to the Turkish authorities. The letter mentions the Austrian Foreign Minister, Alois Aehrenthal and Minister for the Interior, Richard von Bienerth The Rabbi also mentions that he works in conjunction with Rabbi Avraham m.sh. Frankel.
[1] leaf. 23×14 cm. Very fine condition. Original envelope [lightly blemished at its corners].
In 1851, all Jerusalem Jews were given the option of Austrian citizenship, including Rabbi Shmuel Salant and his family. Later, the Jerusalem consulate objected and the issue was brought before the Emperor himself.
Refer to: Mordechai Aliav: ‘Hakonsulia Ha’Austrit B’Yerushalayim V’Hayishuv HaYehudi’, Cathedra, 1981. Refer to Kinstlicher, ‘HaChatam Sofer V’Talmidav’, p. 568, regarding Rabbi Chaim Flesch.