Netanyahu's Symbolic Gift to Trump Has Deep Meaning
During his visit to the U.S., Prime Minister Netanyahu presented President Trump with a dollar from the Rebbe of Chabad, alongside a mezuzah and a model of the stealth jet used in the Iran strike — all on a meaningful Chabad date
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In a symbolic gesture during his official visit to the United States, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented President Donald Trump with a unique gift: a dollar bill given by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, of blessed memory.
The gift also included a mezuzah miniature model of the stealth aircraft used in Israel’s recent strike on Iran.
The timing was intentional. The exchange took place this week during the Chabad holiday of 12–13 Tammuz, marking the liberation of the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, from Soviet prison in 1927. Chabad followers see this day as a celebration of spiritual victory over oppressive regimes.
The story behind the gift began in Israel. On Sunday, just before Netanyahu’s departure to the U.S., Beitar Illit Deputy Mayor and Chabad representative Meir Bar-Lev gave the Prime Minister the Rebbe’s dollar. During their meeting, Bar-Lev shared the Rebbe’s view, based on the commentary of Rashi, that the entire Land of Israel belongs to the Jewish people.
Netanyahu responded by showing Bar-Lev a photo of the Rebbe hanging in his office, and said he continually acts in accordance with the Rebbe’s guidance regarding the defense of Israel.
Bar-Lev also provided Netanyahu with a second Rebbe dollar, specifically intended for President Trump. The prime minister presented it to him during their recent White House meeting.
“The liberation of the Rebbe taught us that even one Jew can stand up to a brutal empire and prevail,” Bar-Lev said. “It’s a lesson the world still needs to remember.”
