The amazing story of Yechiel Eckstein; a Chicago-based orthodox rabbi who founded the world’s largest philanthropic organization of Evangelical Christians in support of Israel.When the Anti-Defamation League sent a young Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein to Chicago to foster interfaith relations in the late 1970’s; he was surprised to see how responsive Christian evangelicals were to the cause of supporting and defending Israel.Eckstein founded The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews in 1983 to promote cross-cultural understanding and build broad support for Israel; Soviet Jewry; and other shared concerns. The Fellowship has grown and thrived over the last three decades; raising more than $1.1 billion; and is one of the largest 50 NGOs in America today. American Christians have become one of Israel’s most reliable sources of financial and moral support.Few people realize that Eckstein and The Fellowship have done an unprecedented good deed in bridging an ancient cultural gap. Renowned journalist Zev Chafets explores Eckstein’s role in this important interfaith evolution; showing how an American rabbi made major progress in promoting dialogue; cooperation; and mutual respect in the face of harsh and unrelenting opposition.
#1843780 in Books US Naval Institute Press 2006-06Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 1.74 x 7.72 x 10.20l; .0 #File Name: 1591144752638 pages
Review
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful. Very well written; fun to read; lots of information and new perspectivesBy ErinI love this book. Lundstrom does a FANTASTIC job of putting you in Fletcher's shoes and helping you to see why he made the choices he did. I've just finished reading this book for the second time in a year and I am amazed at how much I've learned even on the second time. There are so many tiny details about the 1942 US carrier task forces that I've yet to see mentioned anywhere else that really help to explain why they operated as they did. In particular the discussion on fuel usage and refueling is fascinating! In thinking about the battles of Coral Sea and Eastern Solomons Sea; you normally have no thought about the fuel situation and what goes on behind the scenes to get the oilers to the right spot to keep the warships going - but this book explains that process in great detail. Also the primitive nature of combat air patrol and radio communication between ships and planes in early 1942 was very enlightening.As for Fletcher; Lundstrom makes a compelling case that he was a misunderstood admiral and that he really did do a pretty remarkable job given the circumstances. In fact it's hard to imagine anyone else doing a better job at Coral Sea; Midway; Guadalcanal; or Eastern Solomons when you are looking at the situation in light of what Fletcher knew at the time (and as this was a brand new style of war that no one had seen before). After reading this book I am absolutely astounded that no one remembers he was at Midway; let alone that he was the commanding officer at that battle! - Spruance gets all the glory and recognition. That Fletcher was treated as poorly as he was after Guadalcanal is a real tragedy and I'm certain it was a major loss for America.This is a very well written book that is a pleasure to read and hard to set down! While it appeals mostly to naval history buffs; the writing style is such that anyone could sit down and read it and not get lost or lose interest. If all history books were written like this; I think a lot more people would appreciate and even enjoy history! If you are reading this review and trying to decide if you should buy this book - stop; don't think any more; just buy it. I'm pretty sure you'll be happy.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Quarterback For The First TeamBy Laura Ann ScaifeI have read this book twice; am about to start it again and I feel it's about time I said something about it. For years I accepted the judgements of other writers and regarded Admiral Fletcher in a rather unfavorable light. Mr. Lundstrom has put forth here a very persuasive and passionate case in Admiral Fletcher's favor. I now believe that America was very lucky to have had a man of Admiral Fletcher's quality when She really needed him. As a Black Shoe Admiral he learned very quickly to use a weapon new to him; the carrier. By the time Coral Sea and Midway had to be fought; he was more than qualified to fight them. Some writers say he was too cautious in his actions. I think he walked a perfect tightrope; following Admiral King's admonition to 'do the best with what you have'; but at the same time doing all he could to conserve America's carriers. I do get a sense however; that after ten months in what must have been an extremely stressful position he was pretty much burned out. If ever a man deserved his country's thanks; that man would be Admiral Frank Jack Fletcher. Other great men would follow him; but he paved the way. And Thank You Mr. Lundstrom; for setting the record; and me; straight! An excellent book.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. I have read this book twice and very much enjoyed it. MrBy VaedlinI have read this book twice and very much enjoyed it. Mr. Lundstrom has done a very good job piecing together the record of Admiral Fletcher ; despite the fact that much information was lost in the sinking of Lexington and Yorktown. Sadly; after all these years many still bear a grudge against Admiral Fletcher for the events of 1942; and that seems to color the reviews of this book. I found it fascinating; and well written. As for the charge that it is an apologia; any book that tries to push against the tide; and rehabilitate the image of a man who did not feel the need to defend himself at the time; will draw fire from enemies that support the status quo. Admiral Fletcher was a man who did a great job in a tough situation; where no one had any experience in a very new form of combat. His leadership in the pivotal battles of Coral Sea; Midway and Eastern Solomons enabled the U. S. to stop the Japanese advance. A complete failure in any of these battles would; in my opinion; would have added another year to the fight.
