May 2025
Dear Friend of Israel,
The great story of Passover is one about redemption that came from Divine Intervention. God Himself, and no one else, took us out of Egypt with an “outstretched arm,” inflicting 10 plagues on the Egyptians followed by the most miraculous splitting of the “Sea of Reeds.” Throughout this redemption process, the Children of Israel were largely passive; Salvation primarily came from Above.
The rebirth of the modern Jewish state of Israel tells a different tale. Most definitely a story of salvation after centuries of exile and persecution—redemption was brought forth with human agency. The People of Israel did not wait for miracles to rain down from Heaven but actively became THE miracle. We move from being redeemed to taking responsibility for our own destiny as partners with God in His Divine Plan for humanity.
That very spirit was captured in the modest but firm courage of Eddie Jacobson—a Jewish businessman from Kansas City, MO and a childhood friend of US President Harry Truman. In early 1948, as political pressures were mounting in opposition to the establishment of a Jewish state, President Truman had rebuffed all overtures from Jewish leaders to meet with Chaim Weizmann, a leading Zionist intellectual and activist who would become Israel’s first president. In came Eddie who made one simple call to the US president: “Harry, I need to see you.”
Against the strong recommendation of advisors, Truman invited his old friend Eddie in for a meeting. However, from the start, Truman had told Eddie not to even raise the subject of recognizing a Jewish state. Eddie never mentioned the issue of establishing a Jewish state. Instead, he broke down in tears, pointed to a statue of Andrew Jackson in the Oval Office and told the sitting president, “You admire your hero. I admire mine. His name is Chaim Weizmann. Meet with him—for me.” Not at all an unreasonable man, Truman agreed and met with Weizmann.
By meeting with Truman, Eddie ended up playing a major role in making the United States the first country to recognize the fledgling Jewish state. One small act of courage by Eddie Jacobson changed the course of Jewish history. And this is power of “Yom Ha’atzmaut,” the day that we mark and celebrate the establishment of the modern state of Israel. We need not be prophets to shape the future. Rather, all that is required of us is to have the willpower to act.
To this very day, we in Israel share that same resolve of Eddie Jacobson to be active. Currently in an existential war for almost two years, the People of Israel continue to fight—not just on the battlefront but in the civilian realm, strengthening their families and neighbors alike and by volunteering day after day in hospitals, classrooms and their communities. The People of Israel are still building the current story of redemption—with everlasting faith and endless resilience.
This is what we celebrate on Yom Ha’atzmaut. We do not merely rejoice over what happened decades ago—our restored independence in the Land of Israel—but also over what is still taking place: our willingness to take responsibility for our future. The present story of redemption is still being written, and we will continue writing it until redemption is complete. May we all soon see the complete and Final Redemption, and may God continue to shower His blessings on you!
Shmuel Junger
Executive Director
P.S. Enclosed with this letter is the annual report that shows how YOUR giving has helped the communities in Judea and Samaria. Thank you!
Please note that our office number has changed! The 800 number is no longer in service. You can always reach us (the American office) at the regular office number: 719-683-2041.
