                  A NEW YEARS THANK YOU MESSAGE
                     from Gary M. Cooperberg
                       September 2, 1991

       Many of you will remember that last year I issued an emergency plea to Jewish
Press readers to offer their prayers on Yom Kippur for the life of Yona Chaikin, the brave
Hebron resident who had nearly lost his life to a back-stabbing Arab neighbor, recovered, only
to discover that he had a brain tumor which the doctors predicted to be terminal.
       I had described how this Tzadik had the courage to chase his attacker while his life's
blood was oozing from him and shoot him before seeking help for his life-- which came just in
the nick of time.  His bravery had led to the uncovering of a terrorist cell in Hebron.
       His battle against cancer was no less daring.  While most people would have
accepted their fate and just given up, Yona fought hard.  The odds were stacked heavily
against him, but he refused to give up.   
       Last year Yona's wife and children came to pray for him at the Cave of Machpela. 
They were joined by all of Kiryat Arba, and by many Jewish Press readers all over the world.
       It with tears of joy that I announce to you, dear readers, that Yona will be davening
at the Cave of Machpela himself this year!  While the battle with cancer has taken its toll,
Yona, with his steadfast faith and courage, is beating it.  