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An anonymous letter, typewritten on an aerogramme dated 13 Nisan, 5718 (1958) to R. Meir Amsel, editor of the Hamaor (a prominent rabbinical monthly), of Brooklyn by the Vaad Le Haganat Ha Dat beEretz Yisrael (the Committee to save the religion in Eretz Israel), seeking publication of the contained information.
The letter reports that the Jerusalem (secular) court today decreed a harsh judgment against the Rabbis of Jerusalem who were protesting the construction of a swimming pool that would have mixed (men and women together) swimming. These Rabbis, who had already been in prison for about a month, including during the holiday of Purim, were sentenced to 4 months in prison. That would mean that they would be in prison for the holiday of Passover, together with murderers and robbers, (Hashem have mercy on us). The list of imprisoned Rabbis follows and includes R. Amram Blau, R. Uri Blau, and ten other Rabbis.
The letter then proceeds to state that it is necessary to call the people together, sanctify an assembly , etc – to protest against the construction of the swimming pool which will pollute the holiness of Jerusalem,..and do everything possible to save us from the hands of our pursuers…"
There is a postscript which states that a petition is being arranged for the residents of Jerusalem who are against the swimming pool. The petition will state that " we, the undersigned. Express with this our deep sorrow …swimming pool..and see from all who are able to prevent the establishment of this pool." Signatories to the petition include the members of the Bet Din Zedek of HaYahadut Ha Haredit, the Gaon of Brisk, …the Rebbe of Gur…the head of the Mir Yeshiva….et alia.
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