Partners!

Rabbi Elkanah Shmotkin with our main benefactors; Mr. Benyamin Federman (L), and Mr. George Rohr (R)

Last night, at the banquet of the Shluchim Conference, our two principal sponsors for the Preservation Project finally met in person!

Mr. George Rohr, the world-renowned philanthropist, initiated The Living Archive Preservation Project in 2007. His generous offer of matching funding started the ball rolling on this whole thing. People responded warmly, the Rohrs matched their donations, and the vision began to turn into reality.

At the Banquet, many films showing preserved archival video, audio and photographic materials were shown. (Here's one of them) At dinner, Rabbi Shmotkin introduced Mr. Ben Federman, who has funded the preservation of the video archive to Mr. Rohr.

The Rohr family is known for their support of Jewish communal projects around the world. In 2007, Mr. Rohr took grasped the urgency and the opportunity to preserve and provide access to the archives. Thus The Living Archive Preservation Project was launched!

George and Pamela Rohr meet with the Rebbe on 7 Tishrei, 5751 - 1990 at a special meeting of the Machne Israel Development Fund. The Living Archive Photo Collection

Since the first round of funding by the Rohrs, we've come along way. The Living Archive has been at the cutting edge of the preservation world -- making huge strides; both technical and in the way our preserved treasures are brought immediately to light in Living Torah and our other media releases.

The generous commitment by Ben Federman several months ago -- dedicating the video collection -- will fund the preservation of the complete video archive to the finish line in the next eighteen months, G-d willing.

Mr. Rohr couldn't have been more gracious as he thanked the younger donor for his partnership and support of this vital project.

Here's to many more years of partnership!