How come you don’t know who Israel Epstein is?

This episode of the museum’s podcast features Karolina Ziulkoski, Chief Curator, talking to Jack Jacobs, Professor of Political Science at John Jay College and the CUNY Graduate Center, about his experience meeting Israel Epstein, the son of Beba’s uncle, Lasar Epstein – who happened to be a very prominent member of the Chinese Communist Party.

Photos, in order. All images courtesy of Jack Jacobs except for the last picture:

The letter sent by Jack Jacobs in hopes of meeting with Israel Epstein

Jack Jacobs and Israel Epstein at their meeting in Beijing

Israel Epstein and his wife

Article by Beba Epstein about her uncle Lasar which she wrote on the 25th anniversary of Lasar’s death, published in the Forverts on Nov. 12, 2004.

Cover of a periodical that published Lasar’s obituary

Spread of the same periodical containing the obituary

Front of a postcard sent by Israel to Jack after their encounter

Back of the postcard

Article about the encounter written by Jack Jacobs published by the Jewish Currents. Courtesy of Jewish Currents.