Triguboff organisation almost doubles Jewishness investigations
An 85% increase in the number of investigations of Jewishness has been achieved by the Shorashim Center founded by Tzohar Rabbis and The Harry Triguboff Foundation.
Ephraim Halevy, former head of the Mossad: “The Iranian threat may attempt to destroy Israel from the outside”, however the Jewish threat: “will destroy the Jewish nation from the inside”
Harry Triguboff, Rabbi David Stav Chairman of the Tzohar Rabbinic Association and Shalom Norman examining a special copy of an Italian Medieval Gold leaf Ketuba presented to Mr. Harry Triguboff
In anticipation of Rosh Hashanah, Shorashim, established by Tzohar rabbis and The Harry Triguboff Foundation organized an end of year conference in Israel where impressive data was presented regarding the increase in the number of investigating Jewishness cases. The event was attended by Sydney-based Harry Triguboff, the founder of The Harry Triguboff Foundation and the main donor for the project, who came in special from Australia and former Mossad chief, Ephraim Halevy.
At the conference, CEO & Chairman of Shorashim Shalom Norman and , Rav Shimon Har Shalom presented the organization’s activities over the past year including the opening of new branches in immigrant concentrated areas such as Ashdod and Ashkelon and the absorption of additional researchers who will be able to help hundreds of Israelis prove their Judaism.
According to Rav Shimon “There was an 85% increase in the number of applications from 885 to 1639 cases. we can say with pride that 85% of the investigation files that were opened with us ended up proving the individual to be Jewish. As a result their family members also became Jews.”
Shalom Norman who leads initiative’s planning and the proactive activities added “ In fact, more than 2500 people have been proven to be Jews with an actual impact on other few thousands cousins and siblings . Our outreach and the arrival to immigrant residential areas significantly increased exposure to the project and our unique activities. “
Significance of the data
Former Mossad chief Ephraim Halevy, who tirelessly assists the project, explained that this is not a religious problem; rather it is a problem of leadership needing to make decisions regarding the Jewish identity of the state. Arab intellectuals say that if in a few years we do not recognize immigrants as Jewish and we absorb more migrant workers every day, then the Arabs will overthrow us without firing a single shot and the Jewish state will cease to be Jewish. “The Iranian threat may attempt to destroy Israel from the outside”, the Jewish threat: “will destroy the Jewish nation from the inside””
The event was attended by three youths who have used Shorashim’s services to prove their Jewishness. The three who spoke from the heart and stirred the audience, helped the participants to understand the importance of advancing the project.
One of the three is Anna Sherman, an IDF careere officer with the rank of Major, who told: I grew up knowing full well that I was Jewish. When I wanted to get married, I was suddenly told that the documents we have are not enough, and in the eyes of the rabbinical judges, we are not Jewish. Thankfully one of the Rabbinic administrators handed me Shorashim’s business card. Rabbi Elimelech Prayevsky met me and my family. He was able to pull some strings in three different continents and finally we were able to find my great great grandmother’s documents proving my Jewish lineage. Next week, I am getting married by Tzohar Rabbi with a Chuppa . Without Shorashim I wouldn’t be able to do it.”
Harry Triguboff AO Phd(hon), of Sydney Australia, attended the event accompanied by his two daughters, Ms. Orna Triguboff and Ms. Sharon Handler and Director General of the Foundation’s activities in Israel ,Mr. Shalom Norman.
Harry Triguboff thanked all attendees saying “My life and contributions have been dedicated to physical infrastructure. Shorashim is an exception, but this is also infrastructure; the infrastructure of the Jewish people for generations to come. I thank everyone involved in this important project and I am pleased with the progress and continued improvement. ”
The project also enjoys the support of Dov Friedberg – Yedidut Toronto foundation , Major Israel based Anonymous foundation and the Israel Prime Minister’s Office.
