RAAR Enterprises, Inc.
S. California Sales Office:
PO Box 3476
Redondo Beach, CA 90277 USA
Ph: 310-487-3800 Fx: 702-447-1411
Signatory: Rick Schotts
Email: rick.raargroup@gmail.com
11/11/2013
Richard Reese
Re: Boris Gorbis
American Israel Museum
Dear Rich,
I am writing to you in regards to a person that I recently met with, Boris Gorbis, Esq., in regards to what has been a partial work of his life, and that is the “American –Israel Museum. I was requested by a friend of mine to go visit him, and see his museum, as he has to move it based on the fact that the building management has signed a long term lease with a bank that is going to take his space, and he needs to move.
I went and visited him, being that I was advised that it may be something to sell, and of course, I would make a few dollars. However, after coming away from the meeting with him, and seeing the Museum, the Museum should not, and cannot be sold, as it is too important for the history that it holds and shares in regards to the creation of Israel! As you well know, I am not of the Jewish heritage, and I am Catholic in my religion, and quite honestly, being that I am Catholic, and have actually taught religion classes on a volunteer basis to high school students, I did understand what the museum was all about, and also learned a tremendous amount of knowledge in regards to the creation of Israel!
I am writing to you being that I know that Irving went to great lengths to help people of his faith, and I do know that Rabin does have someone in the “Family” that deals with philanthropy. All that I am asking for is that you make contact with Mr. Gorbis and see what he has to say, and maybe, have someone in your family visit his Museum with him in Beverly Hills.
I advised him that he should look for funds to move the museum to storage for the time being until he is able to secure another location, and benefactors for the future of the Museum. I estimated that it will cost approx. $25,000.00 to move the Museum to storage.
I have also enclosed in this letter a You Tube link, although it is Russian, for you to see the Museum. Boris is a Russian Jew from Odessa, and that being, a Russian group did come and visit and make a newsworthy broadcast in Russia. Here is the link:
In closing, if you find it in your heart to consider helping this person, or at least just taking a few minutes to call him, I would be most appreciative! His name is Boris Gorbis, and his phone number is 323-651-
1600. Rich, I have learned enough in regards to the Hebrew faith over the years, to just ask you to do a “Mitzvah”!
In any event, I promised him that I would contact a few people on his behalf as a favor, and I hope that somewhere down the line the Museum can be saved!
With Kind Regards,
Rick Schotts
Boris, we were both deprived of our Jewishness in our childhood and since then we try to restore what we lacked. You do it for all of us!
What an interesting collection and how hard it is to believe that all this — a one man effort! May you be blessed for it. Spacibo!
Natan Sharansky, Chairman, Jewish Agency for Israel, 10/29/10
Dear Boris,
There is a Talmudic saying: “you must know where you come from in order to know where you go to.” Preserving out history is important not only to our past but also for our future. Thank you, on behalf of the State of Israel for keeping such an important part of our life and our tradition.
Jacob Dayan, Consul General of the State of Israel 06/04/09
Speechless!
Historical and critically significant, this exhibit shows passion, determination, against all costs, to preserve the history, culture and dreams of the beginning of Eretz Israel. An invaluable resource, a timeless treasure.
Hallie Lerman 5/12/09
With grateful thanks for an overwhelming experience, a surprising visit to a collection of early Israeli arts and crafts which brought me back to my youth. revived the pioneering spirit and the pride of being an Israeli zionist.!
Shulamith Bahat, Deputy CEO, AJC 5/14/09
I am struck with awe at this enormous collection of Israeli Art. Not only does it bring out memories of the early days of the State, it also warms my heart to see you dedicate and preserve knowledge of our beloved Israel. This must be shown to the entire Jewish community. Carmella Pardo 8/29/09
Boris,
It was both a privilege and a pleasure to your superb and unique collection. I have been thinking about how I might be help you to share it with more people. Warm regards,
Ruth Weisberg, Dean of the School of Art at USC, 12/18/08
Dear Mr. Gorbis,
On behalf of the State of Israel, allow me to express my deepest appreciation for all the hard work that so obviously has gone into accumulating this incredible collection of Jewish and Israeli artifacts and documents demonstrating the deep-rooted ties between Israel and the United States. As someone, who was born in North America, but who has lived my entire adult life in Israel, the panoramic vista which the Museum provides has moved me deeply and inspiringly.
Uri Resnick, Deputy Consul General, March 2013