To Our Friends and Family,

 

76 years ago, when Israel was already in armed conflict with Arab forces, our great-grandfather, Hank Greenspun, executed a daring gun-smuggling operation, delivering surplus machine guns and airline parts to the Haganah. This organization would eventually become the core of the Israel Defense Forces. This was a violation of the U.S. Neutrality Acts, a crime for which he was arrested and ultimately convicted of in 1950. Our grandfather’s actions live on everyday through the prosperity and flourishment of Israel, as former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres called him “a hero of our country and a fighter for freedom.”

 

These past few days, Hamas has infiltrated Israel through land, sea, and air, devastating the country as injury, assault, and death tolls continue to rise. It is incredibly difficult to comprehend the atrocity of these events in the beautiful country that we were raised to love so much. Our hearts hurt for all of the Israeli citizens, and the greater Jewish population, during this time of immense violence. 

 

Our great-grandfather risked his life and his family for the state of Israel, and we are proud of the leadership, fearlessness, and empathy that he showed in his every action. We have built our own connections to the country through religious milestones, athletic achievement, and professional development, but most importantly, through the impact that our Israeli family members, friends, and loved ones have had on us. To stand by and watch Operation Swords of Iron, we are inspired by his legacy to call for action.

 

The Hank Greenspun Legacy Fund will directly fund the most pressing needs of the Israeli army and community at this time. At the moment, soldiers are without equipment, and bulletproof vests are of utmost importance. As this continues and needs evolve, we will keep sponsors updated where your donations are contributing. We are incredibly grateful for those fighting hard for a country that our grandfather believed so much in. Israel Friends, a humanitarian mission under Worldwide Friends, will be distributing this equipment to frontline heroes. Am yisrael chi.

 

Love,

Dylan, Daisy, and Goldie Marmur & Max, Arlo, and Hank Ehrman

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