The invitation from Frank Sinatra to participate in humanitarian aid of American Committee for Yugoslav Relief

The history of humanitarian engagement of Yugoslav emigrants in the United States dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Already during the First World War, the first humanitarian organizations were founded with the aim of engaging public opinion in America and providing regular aid to the Serbian people. Initiatives for organized aid collection also came from immigrant organizations, American officials, as well as through the work of individuals sent to the US by the Serbian Red Cross and the Serbian government. The Second World War created a new experience in the relationship between the state and immigrants in the US. The establishment of humanitarian societies continued, collecting aid for the affected population of Yugoslavia. Thus, in 1944, the organization "American Committee for Yugoslav Relief" (War Relief Fund of Americans of South Slavic Descent) was founded in New York. Besides the president, honorary president, and secretary, the committee also included sponsors who were supposed to assist the committee's work within their capabilities (through individual or group donations, organizing aid collection, or simply by their name). One of the honorary sponsors was the American actor and singer Frank Sinatra. Attached are documents testifying to his agreement to be part of the American Committee and his invitation to participate in a humanitarian action to collect medical aid for those affected in Yugoslavia under the auspices of the Committee. This type of invitation was sent to large corporations, politicians, and prominent individuals who could contribute to the successful collection of the necessary aid.

Prepared by: Tamara Stojanović, archivist