Letter from Joanie Jacobson to Joan and Maury Udes, January 26, [1990]

Now that we've gone "public," I wanted to take this opportunity to thank both of you for your kind generosity and warm hospitality. Your gift to the Passage to Freedom Fund was a maganimous gift, indeed, and the Omaha Jewish community is very fortunate, to say the least, that Lyon Metal Products transferred Maury to our city.

I enjoyed visiting with both of you in your beautiful new home. I was so sorry to have missed the party (especially for a hockey game), and I hope you'll see fit to issue a raincheck if another party is planned. My compliments to you on your many awards and my best wishes for a winning future.

Maury, I must say, you are special. What a thrill for you to be able to help so many people in such a personally meaningful way. I found you to be a man of deep feeling and compassion and one who values his heritage. Your sense of responsibility and continuity, and your respect for those who have gone before you are the things I will always remember about our visit. Your father and grandfather must have been very fine men themselves to have left such a lasting impression on their son and grandson. I knew there had to be something more to this gift than just a spur-of-the-moment impulse.

Once again, on behalf of the Omaha Jewish community, the Soviet families who have come to live here, and myself, we thank you. You deserve every bit of "satisfaction" you are feeling. You're beautiful partners -- on and off the dance floor.