Boim’s personal connection with Chicago grew out of Partnership 2000. Even as he moved onto the national political scene, becoming Minister of Construction and Housing, Minister of Immigrant Absorption, Minister of Agriculture and Deputy Defense Minister, he maintained close ties with the Chicago Jewish community. Appreciating the value of the Israel-Diaspora relationship, this remarkable man undertook to learn English in his 50s so he could communicate better and become a better partner with his newfound Chicago friends. As Deputy Minister of Defense, he never refused a request from Chicago to meet with visiting non-Jewish influentials who went to Israel with JUF.