Rabbi Amram Blau (1894-1974), leader and founder of Neturei Karta. Famous for his separatist approach and his uncompromising opposition to Zionism and the State of Israel.
Born in Jerusalem to a family who emigrated to Israel in the latter part of the 18th century. His brother was Rabbi Moshe Blau, the leader of Agudat Yisrael before the establishment of the state.
Rabbi Amram Blau became famous as a result of the stormy demonstrations against the desecration of Shabbat, post-mortems, and other issues. He was apprehended many times by the Israeli police, convicted a few times on charges of disruptive behavior and even sentenced to imprisonment. Blau conducted a propaganda campaign in the chareidi sector against participation in the elections for the Knesset and against involvement in the political system, and similarly against receiving funds for yeshivot and educational institutions from government bodies.
Died in 1974, buried on Har HaMenuchot.
The shtreimel was acquired some years ago from his widow, Ruth Ben-David.
Tears in the velvet in the upper section of the shtreimel. Good condition.