Albert Einstein

1879–1955

Winner of the Nobel Prize in physics in 1921, Albert Einstein was the most renowned scientist of the twentieth century. He was recruited to the Zionist movement in 1921 by Chaim Weizmann. As the political climate in Europe deteriorated in the interwar years, Einstein increasingly devoted time to the fight against fascism, the refugee problem, and the Zionist cause. In 1952, he was offered, but declined, the presidency of the State of Israel.

Entries in the Posen Library by This Creator

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Assimilation and Anti-Semitism

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When an intimidated individual or a careerist among my brethren feels inclined or forced to identify himself as a son of his forefathers, then he usually describes himself—provided he was not baptized…

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Letters to Conrad Habicht

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Bern, Thursday [18 or 25 May 1905]Dear Habicht,Such a solemn air of silence has descended between us that I almost feel as if I am committing a sacrilege when I break it now with some inconsequential…