When the Beresheet 1 spaceship was launched from a launching pad in Florida on its journey to the moon, it carried a plaque decorated with the Israeli flag and bearing the inscription "Am Yisrael Chai" ("The people of Israel live").
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At a distance of 384,000 kilometers from Earth – a very short time before landing – Beresheet sent the famous selfie showing the moon's surface, Earth, and the inscription "Am Yisrael Chai" displayed proudly.
The choice of these three words embodies the incredible story of the people of Israel – the proof that we live, exist, lead, and are determined to perform any mission that can take humanity forward.
Not many know that the man behind this choice was Sheldon Adelson, z"l, and the Adelson family, who donated generously to the project and thereby enabled the launching of the first Israeli spaceship deep into space. But the Adelsons were much more than donors. They believed in us and in our mission, in breakthroughs, and in educating the next generation.
A spaceship carrying such a symbolic and inspiring name – "Beresheet," or "Genesis" – chimed with Adelson's unique and determined support of the people of Israel, the State of Israel, and the Jewish Diaspora, while emphasizing the Jewish people's contribution to all of humanity.
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Although Beresheet 1 did not complete the landing as planned, we believe the plaque and flag survived, serving as testimony to Israel's place not only in our small world but in the entire universe.
SpaceIL, the NGO fulfilling the Beresheet vision and currently developing its next mission, Beresheet 2, bids Sheldon farewell with appreciation and esteem for his work. We will continue leading Israel to new heights, as envisioned by this great man and his family. May his memory be a blessing.
Shimon Sarid is CEO of SpaceIL, an Israeli nonprofit organization behind the development of the Beresheet space program.
