Letter from Rabbi Yaakov Yosef - HaRav HaKolel. New York, 1897. ...

Letter from Rabbi Yaakov Yosef - HaRav HaKolel. New York, 1897.

"They sent people to attack Rabbi Yehoshua Leib Diskin… to Humiliate him and Beat him"

When Rabbi Yehoshua Leib Diskin opened Kollel America, in opposition to the Vaad HaKlali, he was persecuted by the Vaad, and this letter clarifies the content of a letter by the Rishon Letzion, Rabbi Yaakov Shaul Elyashar, describing how the Vaad tried to harm Rabbi Diskin. The letter is addressed to Rabbi Elyashar, and the following is an excerpt:

“The heads of the Ashkenazic Vaad HaKlali sent people to attack the home of the famous Gaon Rabbi Yehoshua Leib Diskin… to scorn him and beat him… and the letter from the rabbi defended and protected him when he sent his servant to save him and rescue him from the thugs who came to beat him…

Rabbi Yaakov Yosef Joseph studied at the Volozhin yeshiva and was a student of Rabbi Yisrael Salant in Kovna. In 1888 he immigrated to the United States and became the first and only chief rabbi of New York City and founder of Agudat HaRabbanim. He was renowned as an articulate speaker and a riveting orator who attracted thousands to his mussar sermons. He attempted to do great things in the US, but was opposed by wealthy and professional men, causing him great anguish that prompted his petirah

The letter is on the official stationery of the supporters of the poor in Eretz Yisrael [ written by a scribe], with his signature and seal. A few holes have been artistically repaired [damaging to a few words].