Yefet Ozery and David Ben-Gurion at the Mae Boyar High School in 1966

As a young schoolboy in 1966, Yefet Ozery had a chance encounter with David Ben-Gurion that changed the course of his life. Today, as a fundraiser for Americans for Ben-Gurion University, Yefet shares the remarkable meeting that inspired him to dedicate his life to working on behalf of the State of Israel. Click the video below to hear him tell the story. Yefet was also the recipient of several cherished hand-written letters from the prime minister himself. Scroll down to read the one in Hebrew; the English translation follows.

Translation of Letter

March 10, 1966, Tiberias

Yefet Ozery shalom and greetings,

You were not the only one that enjoyed our meeting at your boarding school. I enjoyed it no less than you. I was especially impressed by the words of a youth who spoke so well  (I’m sorry I forgot his name).

I cannot promise you yet to visit your Moshav Givat Yearim [Yefet’s cooperative farming village]. All my time until after Passover is engaged. But we will see what the future entails (Od hazon la’moed).

With affection,

David Ben-Gurion