Series I: Robert Silverman Papers, undated, circa 1899-1965

The Papers of Robert Silverman consist of documents and photographs related to his Zionist work, with a single folder of personal correspondence about the claiming and sale of Robert’s late wife’s land in Israel. The bulk of the documents have to do with Israel and Palestine, including maps, pamphlets and official publications from the Israel Office of Information, and newspaper clippings and United States Congressional statements about U.S. policy in the Middle East.

Three folders contain documents from specific Zionist organizations, such as the United Palestine Appeal (UPA), United Israel Campaign, Keren Hayesod, Independent Order Sons of Israel, Sons and Daughters of Zion, and the World Zionist Congress. The bulk of these documents come from the former two organizations and include promotional materials and newspaper clippings, with minutes from a 1943 meeting of the UPA and a printing plate for an article about the UPA as well.

Two folders contain correspondence to and from various Zionist organizations, including the UPA, United Israel Appeal, Greater Boston United Jewish Campaign, American Zionist Council, Zionist Organization of America, and others. A small group of letters from members of the United States Congress acknowledge lobbying being done for the Zionist cause, and another group of telegrams, all sent in 1952, congratulate Robert on his 40 years of service.

The entirety of one box is made up of photographs, the majority of which depict scenes from Israel and Palestine. Many of these were promotional shots taken for the United Palestine Appeal, and the bulk of these bear printed descriptions on the reverse side of the photograph. Two folders contain photographs of Robert Silverman, both portraits and event images, and another two folders contain miscellaneous photographs. The miscellaneous photographs include pictures of prominent dignitaries, such as U.S. President Harry Truman and Israel President Dr. Chaim Weizmann, those taken at organizational meetings, and more.