President Herzog’s Lifechanging Moment with the Lubavitcher Rebbe

Israelnationalnews

The Jewish community in Kiev, Ukraine, on Wednesday experienced a unique and unusual visit, hosting Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who had arrived on his first state visit to the country.

During his visit, Herzog met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Meeting Herzog were government officials and public figures, as well as Rabbi Jonathan Benjamin Markowitz, the Chief Rabbi of Kiev and the chief Chabad Lubavitch emissary to the area.

Becoming emotional, Herzog told Rabbi Markowitz of the special connection he had with the Lubavitcher Rebbe, the late Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, and of the unforgettable moment when he and his father, then Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations, celebrated the Simchat Torah holiday with the Rebbe.

“I was at the Rebbe for Simchat Torah,” Herzog said. “I will never forget that life-changing moment. I remember that he brought me his Torah scroll to hold, and he even blessed me emotionally at that event.”

“It was very moving. Until today, that moment accompanies me, especially when I see the amazing activities of Chabad around the world, and especially in Kiev and Ukraine, where we are now.”