Jewish residents from across the state of Michigan joined a veteran Israeli diplomat to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the passing of the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory.
Israeli Diplomat Tells Gathering of Rebbe’s Prime Ministerial Connections
Jewish residents from across the state of Michigan joined a veteran Israeli diplomat to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the passing of the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory.
At the June 16 event, Yehuda Avner – who in a career spanning decades represented Israel during several stints in New York – told the more than 600 people at the Rock Financial Showplace in Novi about former Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin’s first visit to the Rebbe in the 1970s. The Lubavitch Foundation of Michigan sponsored sponsored the evening, which also marked 51 years of Chabad-Lubavitch centers serving the state.
In his 45-minute address, Avner, who served as an advisor to Rabin, as well as Prime Ministers Levi Eshkol, Golda Meir, Menachem Begin and Shimon Peres, offered insights into the Rebbe’s life as seen from the perspective of Israeli politicians. He said that Rabin, in particular, was at first uncomfortable meeting with the Rebbe in his office at Lubavitch World Headquarters in Brooklyn, N.Y.
s the meeting progressed, however, Rabin developed an appreciation for the Rebbe’s understanding of international affairs and Israeli society, despite having never stepped foot in the country.
“The Rebbe’s face beamed a broad welcoming smile; it was an angelic face,” said Avner. “But Rabin seemed unmoved, seemed uninterested. Once the Rebbe spoke to him about Washington affairs, he was amazed at his knowledge and insights.
“When we left, Rabin said to me, ‘That man is an extraordinary leader of the Jewish people. He knows more about what’s going on in Israel and the Middle East than all the members of our Knesset put together.’ ”
Throughout the evening, speakers emphasized the uniqueness of the Rebbe’s concern for every Jew, and his reach across Jewish communities around the world.
