Yerachmeal Jacobson Matches a Kindness

By COLlive reporter

30 years ago, a huge Mitzvah Tank parade was planned, to mark the 90th birthday of the Rebbe. The annual Mitzvah Tank Parade was encouraged by the Rebbe and was arranged by bochurim who organized, led, and fundraised for the event.

One of the staunch supporters of the yearly parade was Rabbi Yossel Gutnick, a renowned businessman and philanthropist, who donated $10,000 every year to the parade.

That year, as they planned for 90 Mitzvah tanks to head out in honor of the Rebbe’s birthday, R’ Yerachmeal Jacobson, then a bochur and the director of that year’s parade, reached out to R’ Yossel for a donation.

That year, Rabbi Gutnick donated $20,000 due to the large parade being held.

After the parade, Yerachmeal realized they were still in debt for another $20K, due to the high cost of the parade. Owing the large sum of money which he had taken upon himself personally, he found himself in a bind.

So Yerachmeal approached R’ Gutnick for additional help – and Gutnick came through, assisting Jacobson with the additional $20K needed to fund the parade.

Now, 30 years later, that kindness was returned.

This Yud Alef Nissan, Chasidim worldwide mark the 120th birthday of the Rebbe, and an even bigger Parade was planned. 120 Mitzvah Tanks – the largest tank parade ever – was being organized, and the Mitzvah Tank directors were fundraising for the major undertaking.

R’ Yerachameal Jacobson, who is now a successful businessman and philanthropist, has returned the kindness, and lent his support to the Mitzvah Tank Parade – donating $40,000, in honor of the $40K which R’ Gutnick donated all those years ago, bailing the parade out of difficulties.

Jacobson has partnered with R’ Gutnick, who has renewed his support for the parade as well, donating $10,000 to the parade, which thank G-d has been the largest and most successful Mitzvah Tank parade in history.

You too can take part in this year’s parade in honor of the Rebbe. Donate now at 120tanks.com.