Letter from Issac Herzog

April 2019 Life in Israel

On the occasion of ESRA's 40^th anniversary, on behalf of The Jewish Agency and Jewish communities the world over, I'd like to express my gratitude for all the important work you have done in helping disadvantaged communities in Israel by providing a vehicle for English-speaking Olim to harness their energy toward Tikkun Olam.

What's especially remarkable about ESRA is the structure whereby Olim help other Olim - to the benefit of each other's absorption into Israeli society. This formula for success is quite remarkable - and very close to my heart, having grown up surrounded by many English-speaking Olim. I have followed ESRA's activities for decades, from the time my father, Chaim Herzog, supported the organization both as a member of Knesset and president. Since then, ESRA has grown into a pillar of the English-speaking community in Israel, with much thanks to the extraordinary leadership of Merle Guttmann throughout the years. I'd also like to acknowledge Brenda Katten for her dedication to ESRA's success.

On this day, marking 40 years of ESRA and 71 years since Israel's Declaration of Independence, may the values and spirit of your volunteers - whose work is a true testament to our founding values of creating a safe homeland for the Jews, where all are treated as equals.

Shine on and inspire the next generation to follow in your footsteps.

Warmest regards,

Isaac Herzog, Chairman of the Executive

About the author

Isaac Herzog

Chairman of the Executive

In June 2018, the Board of Governors of The Jewish Agency for Israel unanimously elected Isaac Herzog to succeed Natan Sharansky as the Chairman of the Executive of this historic and influential organization.

Isaac Herzog was born in Israel in 1960, and is an attorney by profession. Before entering his new position at The Jewish Agency, Mr. Herzog had been a member of Knesset (Israel’s parliament) since 2003. He had been the Chairman of Israel’s Labor Party since 2013, as well as the Knesset Opposition Leader.

In 2015, Mr. Herzog was a front-runner to win the election for Israel’s Prime Minister. He led the alliance between the Labor Party and the Hatnua Party to create Israel’s largest center-left political party, and was the leading candidate to unseat Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the national elections.

In the past 15 years, Mr. Herzog has held several ministerial posts: Minister of Housing and Construction; Minister of Tourism; Minister of Diaspora Affairs, Society and the Fight Against Anti-Semitism; and Minister of Welfare and Social Services. He also served as Government Secretary and as the Israel Government Coordinator for the provision of humanitarian aid to Gaza in 2008-2009.

Before entering politics, Mr. Herzog was a senior partner at the law firm of Herzog, Fox & Ne’eman. He lives in Tel Aviv with his wife, Michal. They have three sons.

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