Letter from the Rebbe of Skulen - Recommendation for a Jew Fighting for Torah Observance in Romania

Letter handwritten and signed by Rebbe Eliezer Zusia Portugal of Skulen. [New York], Cheshvan [1961]. Recommendation and attestation of uprightness for a Jew from Oyber-Visheve (Vişeu de Sus), who fought for Torah observance under the Communist rule in Romania: "I hereby testify on a man… Mr Chaim Katz from Oyber-Visheve… I know R. Chaim as an honorable, Torah-observant Jew, he fought for his survival, for the upkeep of Shabbat, he is considered reliable in terms of Kashrut, and is regarded in that town as one of the respected community members… Eliezer Zusia son of R. Y.A. Portugal". R. Eliezer Zusia Portugal - Rebbe of Skulen (1897-1982), son and successor of R. Yisrael Avraham Rabbi of Skulen (Sculeni). During WWII, he worked tirelessly to rescue Polish refugees. Following the Holocaust, he settled in Bucharest, and fought staunchly on behalf of Romanian Jewry under the Communist rule. Dozens of orphans, whom he rescued from the heretical education provided by the government, where raised in his home like his own children, and he later smuggled them to other countries. When he himself was compelled to escape, he settled in the United States where he earnt the renown of a leading Rebbe. He established the Chessed L'Avraham - Skulen network of orphanages and educational institutes. He engaged extensively in charity and acts of kindness, and expended great effort in saving Jewish lives. [1] leaf, official stationery. 28 cm. 7 autograph lines. Good-fair condition. Creases and stains. Folding marks and light wear.