Nena C. Benigno: The dramatic rescue plan for the Jews was devised by three men who mapped out a strategy over weekend nights playing poker and smoking cigars. They were: Quezon, who would sanction the Jews’ official entry and even donate his own land in Marikina and Mindanao for their settlements; American High Commissioner to the Philippines Paul McNutt, who risked his political career convincing US government officials to issue thousands of working visas for Jews to the Philippines; and Herbert Frieder and his sons, owners of the Philippine-based Helena Cigar and Cigarette Factory, who provided jobs in their factory for the Jews, raised money to transport them to Manila, found them housing and schools for their children.
Reprinted from “I Await His Coming Every Day” (Kehot Publication Society, 1991) Adapted & Translated by Rabbi Eliyahu Touger Edited by Uri Kaploun.: After quoting and analyzing several references to Mashiach in Bilaam’s prophecy, the Rambam begins a second halachah with these words:
Similarly, in regard to the Cities of Refuge, it is stated, "When G‑d will expand your borders… you shall add three more cities." This command has never been fulfilled.
