Last summer I had the pleasure to host three Texan families in Hebron including Mike Isley Vance and Janie Esler and Larry and Leigh-Ann Latham. Their enthusiasm and support were so tangible that about six months ago I visited them in Amarillo spending a few days visiting with local residents and speaking to a small group of interested people.
The visit left me with such a positive impression that I decided to make another more extended trip to Texas this time beginning in Austin. Hosted by Mike Isley of TexansforIsrael.com fame and Jim Lewis Ive been fortunate to meet a number of local religious and political leaders including Rabbi Eliezer Langer Alan Sager Randy Phillips Victor Carrillo Jim Cardle and Mr. Gil Rodriguez who requested that I summarize my visit here for Texas Insider readers. Ill also be speaking in Midland Odessa Houston and Lubbock.
I live in Hebron the first Jewish city in Israel. This city was home to Abraham Isaac and Jacob almost 4000 years ago and here David founded the Kingdom of Israel some 3000 years ago. The Caves of Machpela burial site of the Patriarchs and Matriarchs is located in the center of Hebron and is the 2nd holiest site to Jews in all the world second only to Temple Mount in Jerusalem.
Jews lived continuously in Hebron for literally thousands of years until the riots of 1929 left 67 Hebron Jews murdered and the survivors expelled by the then ruling British. Only following the 1967 Six Day war did Jews return home to the first Jewish city in Israel.
Today Hebron is home to 90 families well over 300 children and 250 students who study at the local Torah Academy Yeshivat Shavei Hebron adding up to about 800 Jews in the city. About 7500 Jews live in nearby Kiryat Arba just outside of the city.
My presence in Texas and next week in Washington is two-fold: First and most importantly is education and awareness. The present international political climate primarily initiated by the Obama administration presents Hebron as a palestinian city with no place for any Jewish community. Of course Hebron is not alone; most of the Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria are viewed as obstacles to peace to be emptied of their Jewish population in order to allow creation of a palestinian state
It is my goal to explain the importance of Hebron as the literal roots of the Jewish people and the beginning of all monotheism. How would the United States react to a demand by bin Laden that America relinquish Philadelphia or Boston in the name of peace?!
In addition due to the international financial crisis it is necessary to turn to various populations around the world and suggest that they become partners with us helping to maintain a Jewish community in Hebron. The word Hebron in Hebrew means both friend and bond. We think it fitting that different peoples should link together as friends and assist in keeping such a holy city Jewish allowing the holy sites to be accessible to any and all wishing to visit them.
Ive been welcomed in Austin by wonderful home hospitality and an eager willingness to hear about Hebron and Israel today. I invite you to visit us at www.hebron.com and to be in touch with me at hebron@hebron.com or by phone at 972-52-429-5554. Of course anyone visiting Israel who would like a guided tour of Hebron should feel free to be in touch with me.
I can conclude by categorically stating how enjoyable it is to be coming from thelone-star country to the lone-star state and thank all who have made my visit so delightful.
Last summer I had the pleasure to host three Texan families in Hebron including Mike Isley Vance and Janie Esler and Larry and Leigh-Ann Latham. Their enthusiasm and support were so tangible that about six months ago I visited them in Amarillo spending a few days visiting with local residents and speaking to a small group of interested people.
The visit left me with such a positive impression that I decided to make another more extended trip to Texas this time beginning in Austin. Hosted by Mike Isley of TexansforIsrael.com fame and Jim Lewis Ive been fortunate to meet a number of local religious and political leaders including Rabbi Eliezer Langer Alan Sager Randy Phillips Victor Carrillo Jim Cardle and Mr. Gil Rodriguez who requested that I summarize my visit here for Texas Insider readers. Ill also be speaking in Midland Odessa Houston and Lubbock.
I live in Hebron the first Jewish city in Israel. This city was home to Abraham Isaac and Jacob almost 4000 years ago and here David founded the Kingdom of Israel some 3000 years ago. The Caves of Machpela burial site of the Patriarchs and Matriarchs is located in the center of Hebron and is the 2nd holiest site to Jews in all the world second only to Temple Mount in Jerusalem.
Jews lived continuously in Hebron for literally thousands of years until the riots of 1929 left 67 Hebron Jews murdered and the survivors expelled by the then ruling British. Only following the 1967 Six Day war did Jews return home to the first Jewish city in Israel.
Today Hebron is home to 90 families well over 300 children and 250 students who study at the local Torah Academy Yeshivat Shavei Hebron adding up to about 800 Jews in the city. About 7500 Jews live in nearby Kiryat Arba just outside of the city.
My presence in Texas and next week in Washington is two-fold: First and most importantly is education and awareness. The present international political climate primarily initiated by the Obama administration presents Hebron as a palestinian city with no place for any Jewish community. Of course Hebron is not alone; most of the Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria are viewed as obstacles to peace to be emptied of their Jewish population in order to allow creation of a palestinian state
It is my goal to explain the importance of Hebron as the literal roots of the Jewish people and the beginning of all monotheism. How would the United States react to a demand by bin Laden that America relinquish Philadelphia or Boston in the name of peace?!
In addition due to the international financial crisis it is necessary to turn to various populations around the world and suggest that they become partners with us helping to maintain a Jewish community in Hebron. The word Hebron in Hebrew means both friend and bond. We think it fitting that different peoples should link together as friends and assist in keeping such a holy city Jewish allowing the holy sites to be accessible to any and all wishing to visit them.
Ive been welcomed in Austin by wonderful home hospitality and an eager willingness to hear about Hebron and Israel today. I invite you to visit us at www.hebron.com and to be in touch with me at hebron@hebron.com or by phone at 972-52-429-5554. Of course anyone visiting Israel who would like a guided tour of Hebron should feel free to be in touch with me.
I can conclude by categorically stating how enjoyable it is to be coming from thelone-star country to the lone-star state and thank all who have made my visit so delightful.
