Israeli Consul Tours Crown Heights and Learns About Lubavitch
In honor of the 60th Yahetzeit of Rebbetzin Chana, the Consul General of Israel in New York, Mr. Ofir Akunis arrived with his family for a special visit to the Rebbe’s home and 770 at the invitation of Shliach Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Neuman and his wife.
Speaking about his visit, Mr. Akunis said, “We had uplifting hours in the Rebbe’s house and in 770, one of the most important places of the Jewish people. The Rebbe’s influence is still evident today on millions around the world. His wisdom, his kindness and his ardent belief in the unity of Israel, the love of Israel and the complete Land of Israel”.
During his visit to the Rebbe’s house, he was welcomed by Rabbi Yirmiahu Berkowitz from the headquarters of the Chabad Lubavitch and Rabbi Mendel Krinsky. During the visit, the consul lit a candle in honor of the soul of the Rebbe and in memory of all the martyrs who were killed in the ongoing war. While there he prayed for the success of the IDF soldiers and the security forces.
The Consul then made a visit to770 where he was given a tour and visisted the WLCC broadcast room with Rabbi Mendel Eisenbach. The consul also took the opportunity to say Tashlich in the yard of 770.
In the area of the Rebbe’s room, Rabbi Kuti Feldman explained to the Consul how Chassidim would prepare before entering for Yechidus with the Rebbe, and how it was appropriate to enter the Holy place.
Whearing Tallis and tefillin, the consul prayed in the Rebbe’s room and offered a personal prayer.
Special thanks to Rabbi Chaim Baruch Halberstam, the person responsible for the Rebbe’s room.
In the lobby of the entrance to 770, Rabbi Motti Seligson, the spokesman for the worldwide Chabad movement, shared his memories of the Rebbe’s famous dollar distribution.. Rabbi Neuman showed the audience videos from Tes Vov Elul 1991, in which he was privileged to visit the Rebbe as a small child, as well as the visit of the Consul General of Israel at the time that day.
The director of the Chabad library, Rabbi Shalom Dovber Levin, gave a comprehensive overview of the exhibition hall. The consul was deeply impressed by the historical exhibits related to the Chabad Rebbe and in particular the Rebbe’s personal belongings.
photos by David Katash
