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Correspondence

Jan. 19, 1971

Letter from Chaim Billet with Financial and Organizational Updates for Gesher (1971)

Gesher Israel
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Letter from Chaim Billet about Israeli Ministry of Education Endorsement of Gesher (1971)

Dear Rabbi Lamm: I am enclosing a copy of a letter sent by Deputy Minister Shaki to Mr. Louis Striar. Mr. Striar, who made an annual commitment of $2000 to Gesher, had requested the Ministry's critique of Gesher progress. While such complimentary blurbs are a dime a dozen, this letter amounts to an an official endorsement from the Israeli Ministry of Education and Culture, something which I understand is quite unusual. I am taking the liberty of sending a copy of the letter to Stanley Stern, and trust that you will keep a copy on file for appropriate use. Getting on to other things, I plan to visit Israel in March and will use the opportunity to review Gesher's progress and to plot its future together with Danny. Danny, is especially eager for such a reappraisal, and will be very receptive to constructive criticism. Before I go, I would like to hear your views in greater detail. I'll be happy to meet with you at your convenience, perhaps over lunch one day, to discuss Gesher's future. ?lease let me know if and when you can squeeze me into that infamous schedule of yours. Best regards, ChaimDear Mr. Striar, Dr. Daniel Tropper of the Gesher Foundation has asked me to write to you a critique of Gesher and apprise you of my impressions of their activities. The Ministry of Education regards Gesher as one of the most important new movements on the Israeli educational and cultural scene. A number of their programs have, in fact, received official grants from the Ministry, and this at a time of "belt-tightening" when allocations are not easily granted. These programs include: 1. The Gesher lecture program in High Schools and Kibbutzim 2. The Gesher seminar program for religious and non-religious youngsters at Kfar Etzion (a revolutionary idea in Israel and one which, from the reactions of school principals, I know has met with unusual success). 3. Gesher publications May I add a personal note. When Dr. Tropper first arrived in Israel to begin Gesher, I was somewhat skeptic…
Gesher Israel

Correspondence

Letter to Chaim Billet about Correspondence with Prime Minister Golda Meir regarding Gesher (1971)

Dear Chaim: This is the correspondence dealing with Gesher, which I discussed with you when we met. I assume that by now you have not only received a telephone call from my secretary but also acted on it in notifying Danny to send the material about Gesher to the Prime Minister as soon as possible. I have sent copies of this material to Eliezer Shefer, who is a shaliach to Mizrachi youth in New York and who, together with Mr. Shiff of Hatzofe were the ones who told me about Mrs. Meir's proposal and recommended that I act on it. It was a pleasure spending time with you this past week and I very much appreciate the efficiency with which you responded to my request. Be well. Cordially yours, Rabbi Norman Lamm
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Letter from Dr. Tropper with Updates about Gesher (1971)

Dear Rabbi Lamm, I have received the copy of your letter to [redacted] and as you requested will use it only with the greatest of caution. Frankly, I have not visited [redacted] in quite a while and am somewhat on the outside at present. There have been a great many developments in Gesher recently. We have had two radio shows on Gesher (Galei Zahali 7 minutes and Kol Yisroel, ½ hour) and an excellent article on Gesher appeared in last week's Maariv lanoar. As our seminars expand, more and more people are beginning to hear about and talk about Gesher. The most exciting thing, however, has been the internal developments within Gesher. Under separate cover I am sending you a carbon copy of my latest "Dear All" letter, i.e. my letters to the newly formed Gesher cabinet. This letter, I believe, will give you a fair idea of where we stand and what we're doing. My very best wishes are extended to you, Mindy and your children for a כתיבה וחתימה טובה. Yours very truly, Danny
Gesher Israel