Bidspirit auction | War of Independence – Mail

War of Independence – Mail to a Jewish POW from Kibbutz Masuot Yitzchak held at the Arab Legion POW Camp, Umm al-Jimal, 9 January 1949 - Envelope and letter sent from Bat-Yam to Jacob Bartfeld, a member of Kibbutz Masuot Yitzchak in the Gush Etzion bloc, who was captured by the Arab Legion following the fall of the bloc in May 1948. The letter was transmitted through the International Red Cross to the Arab Legion POW camp at Umm al-Jimal. Handwritten address on the envelope: P.O.W. Jacob Bartfeld Masuot Yitzchak Arab Legion The envelope bears transit and control markings including an International Red Cross – Geneva cachet, a Transjordanian censor marking, and a serial control number. The enclosed letter is dated 9 January 1949, Bat-Yam, and written in English, likely in accordance with the requirements for POW correspondence transmitted through the Red Cross. The writer updates the prisoner about parcels and spectacles sent to him, family visits, and general family news. The letter closes with the line: ”We hope to see you soon back.” Historical background: Kibbutz Masuot Yitzchak was founded in 1945 in the Gush Etzion bloc. After the fall of the bloc on 14 May 1948, many of its members were captured by the Arab Legion and held in POW camps in Transjordan, including Umm al-Jimal. Family correspondence with prisoners was generally transmitted through the International Red Cross and subject to censorship. Details: Original envelope with the enclosed letter. Red Cross and censor markings. Handwritten English text. Condition: generally good with folds and signs of handling. An authentic historical item documenting family correspondence with a Jewish POW from Kibbutz Masuot Yitzchak during the War of Independence. Items from the collections of Jacob Yablok - VirtualJewishmuseum.com. The items are placed in a quality proactive nylon sleeve and can be easily and safely taken out from the display page. Displayed on a thin cardboard sheet.