Tuesday, March 13, 2007
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Irving Bernstein, who passed away December 10, 1997, headed the UJA, a multinational Jewish organization dedicated to raising money for humanitarian needs around the world. During his 50-year career Mr. Bernstein traveled extensively through Europe, the Near East and Asia, meeting frequently with Heads of State and other political, military and religious leaders.
Mr. Bernstein joined the UJA in 1947 and served in various campaign positions until he was named to lead the organization in 1971. He was UJA’s Executive Vice-Chairman for thirteen years; after retirement, he remained a consultant to UJA until the time of his passing. Mr. Bernstein advocated tirelessly for the safety and dignity of Jews throughout the world, and was actively involved in Israel's growth and development in its early years of statehood. He was a trusted adviser to many of Israel's leaders and is still considered a legendary figure in national and international Jewish affairs.
Mr. Bernstein’s collection represents a life long passion for the Holy Land and its ancient history. The artifacts have a well-established provenance, having passed through very few hands. They were unearthed and either sold to Mr. Bernstein through a State Authorized Antiquities Dealer in Jerusalem, or they were sold or gifted to him by his close friend, General Moshe Dayan. As a favor to Mr. Bernstein, many of the pieces have been identified, autographed and dated by Dayan himself.
To Whom It May Concern:
Irving Bernstein acquired the artifacts in his personal antiquities collection in accordance with the laws and ethical standards in place at the time of acquisition. The items were purchased from State Authorized Antiquities Dealers in Israel, as well as from the private collection of Mr. Bernstein’s close friend, General Moshe Dayan, of Nahalal, Israel. Artifacts transited all points from Israel to the United States through proper customs channels. Pieces personally identified by General Dayan, and bearing his handwritten signature and a date of 1970 or before, were brought to the United States prior to 1970. All artifacts in the collection, originating from Israel, were brought to the United States prior to 1978.
The collection was on display in the Bernstein home located at One Stoneleigh Road, Scarsdale, New York, from 1963 to 2002. Some of the items were also on display in Mr. Bernstein’s office at United Jewish Appeal Headquarters in New York City, N.Y.
Mr. Bernstein died in 1997 at which time the collection passed to his immediate family.
The entire collection was moved to Maine in late 2002. In May of 2007 the collection was offered for sale to the public through Thomaston Auction Galleries in Thomaston, Maine.
Respectfully, Robert G. Bernstein
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