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The crew and officers of the ship "Mishgav" were members of an Israeli maritime delegation who visited the United States in the early 1950s. Their visit was noted by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, who addressed them in a letter upon learning of their arrival.
The Rebbe's letter, dated Rosh Chodesh Sivan 5711 (1951), was sent to the crew and officers of the "Mishgav" via their colleague, Mr. Yitzchak Gitlzon. The Rebbe extended a warm greeting, blessing them with "Welcome in peace" and expressing good wishes for their visit to the United States.
In his message, the Rebbe acknowledged the significance of their journey, emphasizing that their mission was not only to bring honor and glory to the settlement in the Holy Land, but also to serve as a living example and symbol of the development and vitality of Jewish life in Eretz HaKodesh. He highlighted that the most important and elevated qualities of the Jewish people are their spiritual strengths and values, rather than material or physical might.
The Rebbe drew attention to the historic role of the Jewish people since the time of Matan Torah (the giving of the Torah), noting that despite being few in number, they have served as a model for the world in spirituality, righteousness, and justice. He reminded the delegation that the endurance of the Jewish people is rooted in their spiritual qualities, quoting the verse, "And you who cleave to the L-rd your G-d are all alive today," and the prophetic teaching, "Not by might, nor by power, but by My spirit, says the L-rd of Hosts."
The tone of the letter is both encouraging and instructive, urging the crew and officers to represent the Jewish people by emphasizing their spiritual mission and eternal values during their travels. The Rebbe concluded with blessings for a joyous Shavuot and success in fulfilling their true mission and spiritual purpose in the world.