​This is an empty application form addressed to the Aid Committee for the Exiles of Eretz Israel in Alexandria whose purpose is to declare the inability of the signatory to purchase matzah for Passover. The existence of this document indicates that during World War I there were many Jewish refugees in Alexandria, Egypt from the Yishuv who required economic assistance.

The declaration states that the undersigned lacked the necessary resources to pay for the matzot needed to celebrate Pesach. Below this there is a space for personal details and a space for the committee to fill in details of their decision regarding the applicant. 

Would You Like to Know More?

Jewish Exiles in Alexandria - The Jews living in Alexandria during World War I, about 11,000 in total and from various different origins, were exiled from Palestine by the Ottoman Turks in December 1914. They remained in Egypt until September 1915. Many were farmers whose crops died while they were away, leaving them with many problems to deal with on their return.  

The Egyptian government took measures to resettle the refugees accordingly, but they still lacked basic necessities as reflected by this document.