By the Grace of G-d 3rd of Tammuz, 5740 Brooklyn, N.Y.

Greeting and Blessing:

I was pleased to be informed of this important event, and extend congratulations and good wishes to the Chairman, Honored Guests and all who are involved in ensuring its success, both materially and spiritually. Materially — to help provide the means, indeed substantial means, for the continuation and expansion of the educational facilities of Machanaim in our Holy Land; and spiritually — by being involved, with heart and soul, in this sacred cause.

It is very significant that this event is taking place in the week that is highlighted by the anniversary of the Geulo - deliverance - of my father-in-law, the Rebbe of saintly memory, from his arrest by the Soviet regime — on the 12th-13th of Tammuz, fifty-three years ago. His triumph, with G-d’s help, over that regime's attempt to stamp out Jewish education in Soviet Russia was a turning point in the survival of Russian Jewry, and it is largely due to his indomitable struggle, in the face of overwhelming odds, that we have a vibrant Russian Jewry today.

Recalling this history-making anniversary should make everyone of us all the more deeply appreciative of the blessing of religious freedom in this land, and wherever it exists — a blessing that carries with it the sacred obligation to do one’s utmost for the furtherance of Torah education and the support of Torah institutions, both here and wherever our help is needed, especially in the Holy Land, of which the Torah declares that “G-d’s Eyes are upon it continuously, from the beginning of the year to the end of the year.”

I am confident that, appreciative as you are of the vital importance of the work of Machanaim in the Holy Land, and further inspired by the timely message of the Geulo Anniversary, everyone of you will generously and enthusiastically respond to the call of those lovely children who depend so much on your kind patronage. And since G-d rewards in kind, He will surely bless each and all of you, and yours, in a generous measure, both materially and spiritually.

With esteem and blessing,

M. Schneerson