While looking through a past copy of the Jerusalem Post on the internet, it saddened me when I happened upon an article about the death of Prairie Village resident, Esther Levens. I knew Esther quite well and actually helped her organize a group called “Voices United for Israel” – later to be renamed “Unity Coalition for Israel.” Here’s how my relationship with Esther began:
The year was 1991 and I was a resident of Prairie Village. One evening, I received a phone call from her inviting me to attend a meeting at her home consisting of six people. As I recall, there were two Assembly of God ministers, an African-American television reporter, Esther, and I can’t recall the sixth person. I’m sure I was invited because of my background in marketing and public relations. The idea was to enlist Assembly of God Evangelicals all over the country to join and support Israel and its government. I told Esther at the time that she could expect to have a tiger by the tail since she could anticipate having a membership of 40 million people and she made light of that prediction.
But a few years later, sure enough, the group’s membership actually exceeded 40 million (as reported in the Jerusalem Post story on her death). When I realized it was essentially a Republican organization, I had no other choice than to resign since I was, and still am, an ardent Democrat.
I always found her to be a kind and loving person, and very caring. I was always amazed at her enthusiasm and her willingness to go that extra mile if it meant helping Israel. Rest in peace, Esther. And I’d better warn God: Watch out for Esther to create a new organization up there in the sky to help Israel. For her, anything is possible.
Marvin Fremerman
Springfield, Missouri
