Inside AJHS: The Personal Papers of Harry S. Goldstein

This collection is quite a small donation given to the AJHS by the daughter of Harry Goldstein in 2024. It contains various documents from various parts of his life including his time in military service, his contributions to the community, his OBE award, and it’s all accompanied by various photographs and newspaper clippings that are all well preserved and in good quality. 

Through correspondence with his daughter, we were able to procure these documents on the late Goldstein, providing us insight into the contributions and efforts he made in his lifetime towards the Jewish community.

The documents date back to 1941, beginning with the service in the Australian army. Goldstein rose to the rank of a Captain during his service in World War 2. There are various archived documents relating to this period of time including soldiers pay books, barracks passes, rations cards, army driving licences as well as links to his Jewish faith including the Haggadah of Passover for members of the Armed Forces of the United States book and the Haggadah for Passover Service edition for Australian Sailors. His service ended approximately 1947, with documents including transfer to reserve officers form, retired letter and Certificate of discharge dating between 1946 and 1947.

His commitment to the community didn’t end at his war time service however, as Goldstein went on to become a prominent member of the Jewish community. He held senior positions in multiple organisations such as NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, Australian and NSW Association of Jewish Ex-Servicemen and Women, Australian Jewish Welfare Society, Board of the Great Synagogue, and many more. He gave speeches such as the ANZAC address in1972 at Temple Emanuel which we have the transcript of, as well as made numerous donations, such as a donation to Austcare, and appearances at various causes relating to Jewish issues.

In 1970, Goldstein was awarded the OBE for his contributions to the community. The collection holds the letter granting the OBE from the Grand Master, as well as multiple letters of congratulations from multiple people including NSW Parliament House, United Israel Appeal, Sydney Jewish News, Speaker’s Office, telegram from the Prime Minister and many more. This is a cornerstone of his life, commemorating the contributions and efforts he put towards his community. There is various newspaper clippings kept by Goldstein that commemorate his efforts which are all available for viewing as well as digitised photographs of events that Goldstein attended.