They represented the interests of the community, especially those of a town's ghetto, and worked as a "lobbyist" negotiating with the authorities holding power for the safety and benefit of Jews.
Elyakim Zelig from Jampol, reported specifically on the need to beg for the Pope’s favor during a mission to Rome in 1757, in which he tried to gain support for defending Jews against blood libel.
The shtadlan emerged to prominence in 17th century Europe, with the rise of absolutism, as an intermediary between the resident Jewish community and the monarchical government in control of the region.
Yavan was instrumental in many secret missions between the king of Poland, Augustus III and Frederick II of Prussia, helping to end the War of the Austrian Succession.
[4] During the late 19th century, the use of the press and public opinion as leverage for shtadlanus activity became the most important change in the work of the shadlan, becoming closely associated with relief efforts for victims of pogroms in Russia as well as the early foundings of Political Zionism.