In Judaism, the number 13 represents the age of a Bar Mitzvah boy becoming an adult.
We are just finishing our 13th year at Israel365 and would like to use this opportunity to reflect on our own growing up.
On January 1, 2012, we sent out our first inspirational message about Israel:
Over the subsequent years, we have grown into one of Israel’s most important organizations connecting millions of people from all over the world to the land and people of Israel. We are at the forefront of the battle over the hearts and minds of the next generation by empowering Jews and Christians every day with knowledge, facts and the truth about Israel.
In the Torah portion of Vayigash, which we read in the synagogue yesterday, we witness one of the most dramatic moments of reconciliation in the Torah – the reunion between Joseph and his brothers. After years of separation and misunderstanding, Joseph finally reveals himself to his brothers, saying ‘I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt’ (Genesis 45:4).
What follows is remarkable. Instead of harboring resentment, Joseph immediately works to build bridges:
Joseph transforms what could have been a moment of blame into an opportunity for healing and unity.
This powerful narrative reflects the core mission of Israel365. Like Joseph, we serve as bridge-builders, working to connect different communities – Jews and Christians – who share a deep love for the Land of Israel.
As we celebrate our 14th anniversary, we can be proud of how Israel365 has grown from a simple email newsletter to a powerful group of entities including Israel365News, Israel365 Media, Israel365 Store, Israel365 Tours, along with our non-profit entities: Israel365 Charity Fund and Israel365 Action.
And just as Joseph used his position to sustain both the Egyptians and his own family during the famine, Israel365 works to support various communities through our charitable initiatives, particularly during challenging times. During the war, we have expanded our Israel365 Charity Fund operations to become charitable first responders, providing for the needs of IDF soldiers and their families along with precious widows and orphans who are sacrificing every day for our safety and security. We have partnered with the resilient city of Sderot in dedicating projects there while planting trees around the country as a sign of faith in the future and hope for better days ahead.
Our advocacy efforts through Israel365 Action are reaching the highest spheres of influence both in Jerusalem and Washington. We have become leaders in the fight against the failed “Two State Solution” and on behalf of Judea and Samaria. We have educated Knesset members and members of Congress along with leading media professionals about the significance of our biblical heartland, and are just getting started. With God’s help, 2025 promises to be a year of great achievements with a much friendlier American administration that we are excited to work with.
Of course, none of this would be possible without our incredible staff. I’d like to thank Robbie Frohlinger, Rabbis Elie Mischel, Pesach Wolicki and Rami Goldberg, Shlomo Schreibman, Talia Eisen, Kalman Labovitz, Mordy Levi, Rafi Weinstein, Shira Shechter, Aharon Mendlowitz, Eliyahu Adam Berkowitz, Inbal Rose, Zahava Schwartz, Yehudit Weingarten, Dan Gruhn, Zelig Kyrmko Shmuelovich, Zev Krupp, Elan Leonard, Sharon Michaels, Lauren Jerozolim, Brian Racer, Elie Goldberg, Shuey Fogel, Avraham Perlmutter, Mor Levy and Clarinda Yuvienco.
Finally, as we embark on a new year, I turn to you, our beloved community of friends and donors and ask for your support. Please make a generous gift to the Israel365 Charity Fund so we can expand our important work in the year ahead. Only with your help can we do so much together for Israel and the Jewish people.
Wishing you and your families a Happy New Year!
