Abraham Feinberg's
FBI File

Contents

"Prior to the creation of the Republic of Israel in 1948, Feinberg was active in various Jewish organizations in the United States whose purpose was directed toward establishing an Israeli Republic.  In this connection he was President of Americans for Haganah, Inc., 250 West 57th Street, New York City, which published "Haganah Speaks" a bi-monthly publication.

After the creation of the State of Israel in 1948, Feinberg was in frequent contact with officials of the Israeli Government in the United States, from the Ambassador on down to minor officials.  He was in personal contact with Chaim Weizmann, first President of Israel, when Weizmann visited the United States in April 1949 and on other occasions.  Feinberg has been in personal contact with Ben-Gurion, Prime Minister of Israel, when he visited the United States.  These contacts with Israeli officials continue up to the present time and are directed primarily toward furthering the best interests of Israel.

Feinberg is known to have had personal interviews with President Truman on various occasions from January 26, 1949 to date concerning Israeli matters.  Drew Pearson alleged in his column on April 5, 1949 that Feinberg had pledged $100,000 to reelect President Truman.  Feinberg was chairman of the Democratic Party committee in New York City.

In November, 1948, an indictment was returned in Miami, Florida charging nine individuals with conspiracy to violate the Neutrality Act, based on evidence that attempts were made to transport airplanes illegally from the United States to Israel when the latter country was at war with the Arab nations. Among those indicted were Adolf Schwimmer and Irving Schindler.  An anonymous source of known reliability advised that the Israeli Government was fearful that prosecution of Schwimmer and Schindler would result in publicity unfavorable to Israel and that the Israeli government instructed Eliahu Elath, Israel Ambassador to the United States, on April 1, 1949 to "squash it forever."  One of the several courses of action recommended by the Israeli Government was to have Abe (believed to be Abraham Feinberg) take it up with his friends.  Informants advised that Feinberg was probably in touch with Bob Hannegan and other high Government officials trying to get them to exert political pressure on Tom Clark, Attorney General, in connection with these cases.

Feinberg has been in contact with Colonel Ephraim Ben-Arazi, former Israeli Military Attaché to the United States; Theodore H. Kollek, Israeli Minister in Washington; Reuben Shiloah [founder of Mossad], personal advisor to the Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs; Nahum Bernstein, Secretary of Israel Speaks.  All of these individuals are known to have been active in the Israeli Intelligence Service.

It is pointed out that much of the information concerning Feinberg pertains to his dealings with individuals in the democratic administration from the President down to lesser officials.  This is not being repeated in the blind memorandum because it is believed that the repetition of such information by the Bureau may lead to embarrassment.

It is further pointed out that information in the blind memorandum pertaining to the fact that Ben-Arzi, Shiloah, Kollek and Bernstein are identified with Israeli Intelligence activities has been disseminated to only high level officials of the government under secret and top secret security classifications.

In the cases of Nahum Bernstein and Ruben Shiloah [founder of Mossad] the information has not yet been disseminated to the Department of Justice.

Information concerning [redacted} has not been included in the blind memorandum because it is received under the agreement that it cannot be disseminated.

04/17/1952

Background (PDF 273 KB) Selective Service records at Albany, New York reflect that Feinberg registered for Selective Service October 16, 1940, at New York City...As will be set out hereinafter in this memorandum, Feinberg, through the years, has been in close contact with officials of the Israeli Government and has been in contact with officials of the United States Government, including the President of the United States and his administrative assistant, David K. Niles....Schantz had obtained a selective service deferment for Abe Feinberg of New York City. Collins accused Schantz of securing the deferment illegally and stated Schantz had advised Feinberg's local board that Feinberg was employed by the Grove Company in a necessary capacity when actually Feinberg had no connection whatsoever with the Company...Schantz had requested Feinberg's occupational deferment on the basis that he was a production expert. Collins stated he doubted there was any actual connections between the Grove Company and Feinberg and added it was entirely probable that the Grove Co. carried Feinberg on its payroll in order to make Feinberg's occupational deferment appear to be legitimate....Feinberg inquired if he would be continued in c1asstftcation 2A after he left the Grove Company and returned to his own firm, Jack Feinberg and Sons, Inc.

This case was discussed with Assistant US Attorney K. Bertram Friedman of the Southern District of New York who advised that inasmuch as Feinberg was 36 years of age and had three dependents and also since he might have been deferred even though the 42A form had not been submitted by Schantz, he would decline prosecution in Feinberg's case.

Activities in connection with the·creation the New State of Israel (PDF 1 MB)

Crum also pointed out that there were a lot of people involved in this affair [the Haganah/Sonneborn arms theft and smuggling network] and the Department of Justice knew it. He further pointed out that there were 70 people involved on the West Coast. Crum went on to state that it was necessary to have a group working rather than Feinberg and that it would be necessary to have a war chest. This group should include Feinberg who would act as chairman and be responsible for the disbursement of funds. He stated that this thing should be handled on a basis and that the program is "de jure" recognition (of Israel) and lifting the arms embargo. Crum related that if this was accomplished, the three cases [Schwimmer, Schindler, Winters] and the 70 potential indictments in Los Angeles would be rendered moot. Wahl advised Crum that he would start immediately by calling Feinberg and a few other people together and "laying the thing on the line."

...In connection with the above, it is noted that the information furnished [redacted] reflects an exerted effort by Feinberg, Wahl and others to use political pressure on the Department of Justice through prominent public officials in order to have oases involving the indictment or possible indictment of individuals involved in violations of the Neutrality Act quashed or favorably handled.

In that connection a case had been pending in Miami involving Adolph William Schwimmer, Irving Schindler, et al, in November, 1948, for conspiracy to violate the Neutrality Act in connection with the transporting of planes to Israel when Israel was at war with the Arab States.

Information received from an anonymous source reflects the direct interest of the Israeli Government in this matter.

On April 1, 1949 Eliahu Elath, Israeli Ambassador to the United States, was advised by his government that it was agreed that the matter relating to Schwimmer and other people under indictment should be taken to the 'highest level" in order to 'squash it once and forever." In this connection, one of several courses of action suggested to Elath by the Israeli Government was for Elath to have Abe (believed to be Abraham Feinberg of New York City) take it up with his friends.

...a proposal had been made to change the venue with regard to Schindler and Levin from Miami to New York and Los Angeles, respectively.

...politics on an extremely high level was entering into the case which was of grave concern...everything possible to expedite prosecution of these individuals and regretted that it was necessary to accede to the proposal made by this Jewish group.

...it was announced yesterday by Henry Morgenthau, Jr., general chairman of the nation-wide drive. the campaign on behalf of reconstruction and resettlement needs in Israel and elsewhere has a goal of $272,455,800 for the coming year. Mr. Feinberg, who is president of Jack Feinberg and Son, will have the responsibility for stimulating intensive fundraising activities among business men in all spheres 0f economic life throughout the country." Under his guidance, Mr. Morgenthau added, chairmen will be appointed for individual trades and industries, and industry committees "are to cooperate in mobilizing campaign volunteers and contributors."

On March 28, 1951, Morton Rosenbleuth, representative of the Israeli Minister of the Israeli Ministry of Finance for the western Hemisphere, advised Kollek that he had informed David Wahl that he was prepared to finance $25,000 if he would obtain a document from Montor "setting forth the whole idea. On March 28, 1951, Ko11ek was again in touch with Feinberg re1ative to financing Israe1 Speaks."

Contacts with Israeli Officials and Activities on Behalf  of the state of Israel (PDF 660 KB)

On 3-28-1949 [redacted] advised Feinberg contacted Colonel Ben-Arzi and indicated he had arrived at the airport and was going over to the Mayflower Hotel. Ben-Arai asked where they could meet and at what time. Feinberg replied that they could meet in Dewey Stone's suite in a half hour. Ben-Arei said he would be there with Teddy. Feinberg is possibly identical with Abraham

Feinberg. Colonel Ben-Arzi is the former Israeli Military Attaché to the U. S. and a known representative of the Israeli Intelligence Service. Dewey Stone is a prominent Zionist who has been active in Israeli fundraising activities. Teddy is probably identical with Theodor Kollek, formerly in charge Of the American Section of the Israeli Foreign Ministry and a known representative Of the Israeli Intelligence Service. (97-2171-205 p. 7)

The "New York Times" dated 4-24-49 reported a dinner held at Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York on 4-23-49 for Dr. Chaim Weizman, first President Of Israel. Among speakers was listed Abraham Feinberg, Ohairman of the New York Committee Of the Weizman Institute Of Science.

Theodore Kollek, Israeli Minister, advised David Wahl of a conversation he (Kollek) had With Henry Montor concerning saving the publication "Israel Speaks." After Kolleck informed Montor of the personal interest which Ben-Gurion; Israeli Prime Minister, had in the publication, Montor gave assurances that he would attempt to find a solution. The informant further reported that on the same date, Kollek contacted Abe Feinberg, President of "Israel Speaks," and informed him of the aforementioned discussion with Montor, as well as the discussion with Wahl. Feinberg informed Kolleck that "they" had been frustrated for 3.5 months waiting for Montor to make a decision and that the time had come for the decision to be made.

Theodore Kollek, Israeli Minister, advised David Wahl of a conversation he (Kollek) had with Henry Montor concerning saving the publication "Israel Speaks." After Kolleck informed Montor of the personal interest which Ben-Gurion; Israeli Prime Minister, had in the publication, Montor gave assurances that he would attempt to find a solution. The informant further reported that on the same date, Kollek contacted Abe Feinberg, President of "Israel Speaks," and informed him of the aforementioned discussion with Montor, as well as the discussion with Wahl. Feinberg informed Kollek that "they" had been frustrated for 3.5 months waiting for Montor to make a decision and that the time had come for the decision to be made.

Contacts with David Ralph Wahl and Associates of Wahl (576 KB)

On 3/5/49 Wahl and Feinberg had a conference in which they discussed the necessity of securing some intelligent person to do a public relations job in Washington D.C.; someone besides Hy (last name unknown) [possibly "Si" as in Isaiah Kenen, later the founder of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee]. They referred to getting 400 odd Congressmen lined up and obtain clearance for erecting a memorial of some kind. They eventually agreed that Herman Ede1sberg would be a good man as he works for B'nai B'rith.

Feinberg was quite upset about the Arms Embargo and they did not know whether the Government wanted it. (This refers to the indecision on the part if Israeli officials as to whether or not they wanted the Arms Embargo lifted by the U. S.) They agreed that they couldn't understand why the Israeli Government did not want the Embargo lifted.

According to the source, on 2-7-50, David Wahl was in touch with Louis Weintraub and again they discussed the same proposition on that had been discussed on the same date between Wahl and Feinberg, that is, the-deal involving the setting up of a corporation to send material to Israel. On this occasion, Weintraub told Wahl that he had just left Feinberg, and that Feinberg wanted to have a meeting with Leon Moehill (ph); Weintraub stated that this would mean that they would have to get in touch with Leon and get him into New York on the following night. Weintraub indicated that Feinberg and his partner were preparing to go for fifty each, and with Leon Moehill's (ph) fifty, this would mean one hundred and fifty. Weintraub stated that he doubted if there would be any trouble about Israeli pounds. Wahl stated that Josh (Lardner) had three or four other people who were willing to go in on the deal...Weintraub also wanted to ship luxury items as well as necessities in order to compete with other outfits such as Service for Palestine. Wahl stated that he thought that one of the investors should go to Israel, and apparently Leon (Moehill) was the one to go. Wahl advised that Feinberg was going away on Tuesday afternoon and that he would be away for several weeks.

...Dave Wahl, Abe I Feinberg, Bartley Crum and Lou Weintraub were active in setting .. up a corporation to sell certificates in the U.S. redeemable in Israel for merchandise; that Israel Government agreed to give the corporation exclusive rights and about 10% for promotion and profits. The source identified Abe Feinberg· as a prominent Jewish financier, Weintraub an attorney, and Crum as a former publisher of the "Star" newspaper in NYC. (100-11820-549 pgs 35, 36.)

4-3-51 Abe Feinberg contacted David R. Wahl and advised him that he (Feinberg) Wahl, and Harry Zinder, Press Information Officer at the Israeli Oonsu1ate, NYC were to see Rudolph Sonnenborn [of the Sonneborn Institute arms smuggling network] the next day.

..on 12-5-51 David Wahl was in contact with Abe Feinberg. On that occasion Wahl asked Feinberg if he recalled the recording that he, Wahl, had made at the Democratic Party Dinner recently held in NYC. Wahl asked Feinberg what title he should put on the recording, Feinberg told him to entitle it "National Democratic Party Dinner - Abraham Feinberg, Chairman."

Contacts of Feinberg with the President of the United States (640 KB)

..Johnson had asked "Do you remember when in this campaign, we couldn't raise a cent? Do you remember who was first to say 'I pledge $100,000 to re-elect Harry Truman?' It was Abe Feinberg."

"I remember Abe," said Truman. "He certainly did come through."

"Do you know what would make Abe Feinberg happiest? An Ambassadorship? A job? No. Abe would want you to speak for Chaim Weizmann. You'd be honoring two great men."

"All right, Louie" said the President, "I'll do it."

...On April 80, 1951, an Israel official in Tel Aviv sent a cable to Washington which was deciphered by the FBI Laboratory. This cable sent to Theodor Kollek, Israeli, Minister in Washington, stated, "Abe requests Dave Niles stay in Washington Thursday and Friday." (Obviously meaning May 8 and May 4, 1951.) Abe is believed identical with Abraham Feinberg.

It is noted that David Ben-Gurion, prime Minister of Israel, arrived in Washington on 5-3-51 and had luncheon With Truman the following day. It is felt that Niles' presence in Washington on May 3 and 4 was desired by the Israelis so that he might assist in arranging for the luncheon between Truman and Ben-Gurion.

Contacts with Other Government Officials, Former Government Officials, and Other Americans of Prominence (594 KB)

...On October 29, 1948, Wahl was in touch with Abe (believed to be Feinberg the president of Americans for Haganah, Inc.) and they discussed a statement issued by one Adler (ph). Abe stated that he saw this statement of Adler's the day previous, and that it was taken over to the Democratic Committee so that they could see it before it went to press.

Abe suggested that they make Bart (possibly Bartley Crum) governor. Abe also made the statement that the "C" has another $200,000 coming in. Wahl stated the "C" was still wrapped up in the paper. They then decided to talk the matter over about making Bart Governor with one Max (possibly Max Lowenthal)."

On November 12 1948, Wahl held a conference with an unknown individual and stated that Abe Feinberg had received a call from Clark, who asked him if Abe had seen the news of the report in Paris, and Wahl stated that the afternoon papers carried a report that some high-ranking American delegates had let out the news that Truman had given them orders to drop the Bernadotte Plan and drop the credit sanctions and to oppose all territorial settlements that are not agreeable to Israel. According to Wahl, Clark also wanted Feinberg's opinion regarding the application of one Began (ph) who wanted to come "in here," (possibly referring to Menachem Begin who arrived in the United States on November 21, 1948, and who was reported to have been the leader of the Irgun underground in Palestine). (101-2261-45)

...Confidentia1 Informant [redacted] advised that on January 19, 1949, Abe Feinberg contacted Eliahu Epstein (Chief of the Israeli Mission). The latter advised Feinberg that the *loan was granted and thanked him for his part in its success. Feinberg said it had been a privilege. Feinberg then asked if Dave Niles and Epstein were working out the protocol matters and Epstein said that Weisga1 and the others had met with him yesterday on this. Feinberg also informed Epstein that (C1ark) Clifford, the presidential advisor, had intimated that there would be good news from Britain soon.

*(Probab1y referring to the granting of a 100 million dollar loan to the new State of Israel by the Export-Import Bank which was negotiated on January 19, 1949.)

...advised that on December 19, 1950 Theodore Kollek, Israeli Minister and Abraham Feinberg discussed a conference Feinberg had with an unknown individual who appeared to be a United Stated Government official. Feinberg described the unknown man with Whom he conferred as "like a little boy with a new toy who liked it very much." Feinberg stated that he "put in a plug" as to the capacity of Israel to make this kind of thing as this would not only provide foreign exchange for Israel but would also save Israel a lot of money. Feinberg informed the unknown individual that General Marshall knew about this "gun" [probably the Uzi submachine gun] from the Israel Foreign Minister and expressed an interest in seeing it. Feinberg expressed sorrow that there was no publicity on "it" inasmuch as "it" would strengthen "our" (Israel's) hand if the public would know that this could be done by Israel."

...on March 21, 1951, Abraham Feinberg and Theodor Kollek were in contact with one another and that Kollek had advised Feinberg that he had a satisfactory talk with Senator McFarland and Senator Lyndon Johnson, and that in the younger one, they (the Israelis) had gained a very outspoken friend. (105-10332-114)

Efforts of Abraham Feinberg to Influence U.S. Government Officials in Connection with Israeli Matters/Contacts of Feinberg with Owen Lattimore (261 KB)

Feinberg said that he had suggested a second name, Owen Lattimore, a Near East expert and head of the Near East Division of John Hopkins, about whom there would be no argument on "our part" and who would be a good choice only because he was not known. Epstein asked if Lattimore were reliable and loyal and Feinberg said he was reliable and close.

The informant further revealed on March 22, 1951, the Israeli Ambassador presented a note to Acheson which concerned a bill to grant foreign aid to Israel in the amount of $150,000,000. The informant indicated that after the note was presented to Acheson the Israelis indicated Acheson would present the matter to Congress, thus in effect throwing the weight of the State Department behind the bill. (As a matter of interest the bill was introduced on 4/2/51...)

Highlights: Biographical data pp. 3-4
Feinberg head of "Americans for Haganah" p. 5
Feinberg visits White House on 11/23/1948 to work on a resolution p. 10
Americans United For Israel formed by committee including Abraham Feinberg p. 11
Israel Speaks Inc. formed as NY membership organization in 1949, formerly known as Americans for Haganah p 13
Foundry Associates engaged in securing ammunition, arms, aircraft, etc for export on 2/1/1949.  Irving Schindler, Abe Levin, William Schwimmer, Abe Fineberg or Fineman..some of the most active members of this group. p. 14
Prosecution of Schwimmer and Schindler..Feinberg, who was known to be of considerable assistance to the Embassy of Israel in the U.S. by virtue of his contacts in U.S. Government circles. p. 16
..request to replace a Mr. Ethridge with a strong man for the negotiations...p.17
Feinberg said he had an appointment on 8/2/1949 with the "boss" (Truman) and wanted to make sure he saw Elath [Israeli Ambassador] first.p.17
Feinberg consults with Israeli embassy on White House chairman of Economic Commission. p.19
Reuben Shiloah [founder of Mossad] contacted the home of Abraham Feinberg...p.19
On the night of 8/27/1950, Theodore Kollek, who was connected with the Israeli Foreign Ministry in Israel, went to the residence of Abraham Feinberg..p.20
On 8/16/1949 Wahl advised Feinberg that the people who controlled policy in Israel were very much concerned with public relations p.22
In 1951 in connection with the one hundred fifty million dollar grant bill which the Israeli Government had asked of the US, Abraham Feinberg, President, Israel Speaks and .Democratic Party leader in NY and close friend of Theodore Kollek, was advised that Kollek had talked with Senator McFarland and Senator Lyndon Johnson. p. 23
In 1951, the newspaper "Israel Speaks" ran into financial difficulties and negotiations were undertaken...to have this newspaper subsidized by the Israel Bond Drive. p. 24
On 1/7/1952, David Wahl was in contact with Abe Feinberg.  They discussed the possible merger of the publications "Israel Speaks" and "Jerusalem Post".  p. 32
On 7/16 and 17, 1952, Waldo was interviewed.  He advised that Feinberg, a prominent American Zionist, who was a "political wheel" in the Democratic Party, had been used by the Israelis as a means of influencing United States policy in relation to Israel. p. 33
Feinberg told him that he was very close to Bob Hannegan, former chairman of the National Democratic Party and former Postmaster General of the US.  Feinberg also said that he had access to President Truman. p. 37
On 4/3/51 Feinberg was in contact with David Wahl and told him that he, Wahl, and Harry Zinder, Press Information Officer at the Israeli Consulate, NYC, were to see Rudloph Sonneborn, founder of "Material for Israel", on the following day.  Abe Feinberg and Wahl were to go to St. Albans Naval Hospital to see Major General William E. Reilly, UN Chief of Staff in Palestine. p. 39
On 8/12/52, Feinberg, Wahl and Abe Harmon were to discuss "Israel Speaks" a the Israel Consulate. p. 40
2/19/53 Abraham Feinberg...was president of Israel Speaks, Inc.  He has been the recipient of the letters from the Department of Justice with regard to the registration of Israel Speaks., Inc. p. 43
On 9/10/52, Abraham Feinberg and Meir Shalitt expressed mutual regret at having been unable to get together on the preceding day. Shalit indicated he wanted to go over the "accounting" with Feinberg. Shalit expressed the desire that he, Feinberg, and Aryeh Manor (of the Israeli Government) get together and go through the whole accounting process. They agreed to a meeting in Washington on 9/16/52. p. 43
Later on the above date, Feinberg advised Shalit he would meet him at the May/lower Hotel at 1 :30 PM. 8ubsequently, on this same date, Feinberg advised Shalit they had been slightly off in one phase of their discussion, particularly with reference to the "150" for the general work. Shalit said he would cable his government. It was believed that these contacts related to the transfer of control of "Israel Speaks" from Feinberg to Ralph Goldman, formerly Executive Officer:( the Israeli Consulate in NYC. p. 43
In 1953, Abraham Feinberg was known to have been in frequent contact with members o! the Israeli Embassy. He was also acquainted with Theodore Tannenwald, employed by the Israelis in connection with US aid to Israel and Harvey Spear, Tax Attorney at .the US Department of Justice. p. 45
Theodor H. Kollek was scheduled to see Abraham Feinberg at the May/lower Hotel for a few minutes prior to Feinberg's departure by plane for New York. 2/26/53 p. 47
On 3/4/1953 Kollek told Feinberg that he was having a little trouble in Washington.  Feinberg asked if Kollek had seen a "Mr. Reb."  Feinberg thought Reb could be helpful.  Kollek said that he would like to see Feinberg before March 9 or 10, 1953. p. 47
Harvey Milton Spear, Tax Attorney in the U.S. Department of Justice, was acquainted with Abraham Feinberg,.  Spear was possible acquainted with Reuven Shiloah (Minister Plenipotentiary at Washington, D.C.) [founder of Mossad] inasmuch as on 10/1/53, Spear said that he had a message for Shiloah from Feinberg and that a meeting which had been scheduled at Feinberg's home had been cancelled. p. 49
Feinberg was told by Meir Shalit that the latter had given "Harvey" what Feinberg wanted.  Feinberg stated that he "got the information into the hands of everyone except the chairman of the Party." p. 49
Feinberg was possibly known to the [FBI] Director, as in dictated by a letter to his son, [redacted], in 1948 forwarding an autographed photograph.  p.  51
By letter dated 3/27/52~ addressed to Israel Speaks Inc. 250 West 57th St  NYC, from William E. Foley, Chief, Foreign Agents Registration Section Dept. of Justice, Wash., D.C. this corporation was directed to register with the Dept. of Justice under the terms of the Foreign Registration Act 0f 1938. This letter was sent to Abraham Feinberg. p. 51
In July 1954, Reuven Shiloah [founder of Mossad] was to see Abraham Feinberg in NYC in connection with something Feinberg was to discuss later with Theodor Kollek. Feinberg expected to leave for Israel via Paris, France on 7/27/1954. p.52
In the first week of September, 1954, Abraham Feinberg made arrangements to meet Reuven Shiloah at the Mayflower Hotel, where Feinberg made his headquarters while in Washington, D.C. p. 53