Levitz, Esther, 1955

This series contains case files for each passenger (and his/her family, as applicable) who received assistance through the Boston office of the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society. Some folders contain extensive materials pertaining to the individual’s situation, including correspondence between the Boston HIAS office, authorities in European countries, other HIAS offices (including Shanghai, New York, and Washington, D.C.) and the individual; photographs; affidavits; naturalization certificates; biographical information; and miscellaneous supporting documentation that may have been required to assist the individual. Often, the case file contains only the minimal amount of information on the individual and in some cases, the folders are empty. The bulk of the case files date from immediately prior to the start of World War II, during and immediately after, the War. These files document the extreme difficulties and frustrations of sponsors, HIAS staff, and those seeking entry to the United States, particularly around quotas and other barriers to immigration. Generally there is very little resolution to case files and further research will be required to learn if the person successfully entered the United States or another country. In some case files, there are letters that were sent to Jews in Europe that were returned, unopened, to the Boston HIAS office. Earlier case files through the end of World War II are primarily Jewish immigrants, but case files between the 1950s and 1970s illustrate the changing demands upon HIAS as the organization began to diversify, supporting the needs of non-Jewish immigrants from Europe and China. Depending on the dates on the case files, these may be restricted. Access to the case files will be determined by the archivist.