Israeli President Salutes FSU Jewish Communities At Powerful Gathering

Hundreds of leaders from FJC’s educational, humanitarian, and community organizations across the FSU gathered for a moving tribute event at the VERT Hotel in Jerusalem. The guest of honor, President Isaac Herzog, delivered a heartfelt address intertwining his family’s legacy with the struggles of Jewish communities, and called for increased Israeli support for these communities. The evening also included emotional personal stories from young people who rediscovered their Jewish identity, and recognition of Yael Eckstein, President of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. Minister Zeev Elkin remarked: “Chabad’s secret to success is that they never give up on a single Jew.” The event featured powerful videos documenting 35 years of FJC’s extensive impact.

A Powerful Gathering of Jewish Leaders

The ceremony, held under the auspices of Russia’s Chief Rabbi Berel Lazar and FJC leaders Rabbi David Mondshine, Rabbi Shlomo Chaim Peles, and Rabbi Shlomo Neeman, brought together hundreds of leaders from FJC Jewish education and welfare institutions founded under the presidency of Mr. Lev Leviev.

Among the participants were Minister Zeev Elkin, Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky (Vice Chairman of Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch and Chairman of the International Conference of Chabad Emissaries), and emissaries from across the FSU and beyond — including Rabbi Shlomo Wilhelm (Zhytomyr), Rabbi Nachum Ehrentroy (Zaporizhzhia), Rabbi Moshe Weber (Dnipro), and Rabbi David Eliezrie (California).

The event highlighted the deep influence of Jewish organizations on Jewish life in the region and emphasized their role as a living bridge between Israel and the Diaspora.

A Night of Tribute and Inspiration

Guests were greeted with a festive reception showcasing photographs of FJC’s decades of work. Each participant wore name tags representing their cities and organizations across the FSU. As the main hall opened, large screens displayed uplifting footage from the weeklong FJC Forum, creating a spirit of unity and pride.

Under the emceeing of journalist Ofer Haddad, the evening began with a historic film chronicling 35 years of FJC activity—from rescuing Jews under communist repression to reviving Jewish identity and community life across the former Soviet Union.

A special video dedicated to President Herzog followed, illustrating his lifelong dedication to Jewish unity and heritage.

“In Every Generation They Rise Against Us”

When President Herzog took the stage to a standing ovation, he linked past and present with emotion “It has been fifty years since my grandfather, President Chaim Herzog, tore up the UN resolution declaring that ‘Zionism is racism.’ In every generation, there are those who rise against us to destroy us.”

The President spoke personally of his connection to Chabad emissaries “I’m half Chabad myself. I received a blessing from the Rebbe, and my wife Michal is descended from the Tzemach Tzedek. I always feel at home with you.” He saluted the Jewish communities of the FSU saying “We salute you — the communities across Russia and the former Soviet Union. We remember and will never forget the Refuseniks who shaped my generation, and the heroes who fulfilled the dream of Aliyah and paid a heavy price.”

President Herzog called for stronger Israeli support for these communities, saying “Your contribution will forever be inscribed in the history of the Jewish people. Israel must extend its hand to support and assist your vital work.” He concluded with a stirring message of unity and hope for the return of Israeli hostages, saying “The Jewish people are one body, one heart, one covenant.”

The Moving Story of Leah from Ukraine

Following the President’s address, Leah Delinko, a 14-year-old girl from Zhytomyr, Ukraine, shared her emotional story. Born in Kyiv and raised in the FJC “Alumim” Children’s Home, she described her journey from hardship to belonging in Israel.

“When I was little, I knew I was Jewish but didn’t know what it meant,” she said. “At Alumim, I found warmth, love, and family.” She recounted her escape from the crisis in Ukraine and her resettlement in Israel “We fled from danger to the unknown. It was a long, exhausting journey, but we made it to the Promised Land. You saved our lives.”

Her testimony moved the audience to tears, underscoring the real-life impact of FJC’s work on Jewish children and families in crisis.

“To Reach Every Last Jew”

Chief Rabbi of Russia Berel Lazar then spoke about the mission of FJC: “Our goal is to reach every last Jew — even the one living alone in a small village. No Jew should ever feel forgotten.”

He recounted a teaching from the Rebbe about Moses rescuing a lost lamb, symbolizing care for every individual Jew, and recalled a conversation with former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, who urged mass immigration to Israel. Rabbi Lazar explained “These Jews grew up under 80 years of communism. Their Jewish identity is still awakening. We can’t abandon them.”

Voices of Gratitude and Hope

A video tribute followed for Yael Eckstein, recognizing the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews for decades of humanitarian aid, especially in the FSU.

Then Rut Galeeva, a university student and leader in FJC’s EnerJew youth movement, shared her personal journey from Orenburg, Russia “My family wasn’t connected to the community, but when my mother enrolled me in a small Jewish kindergarten, everything changed. That’s where my spark began to grow into a flame.”

Rut described how she embraced Jewish practice and leadership “At sixteen, I attended a seminar in Moscow and realized you can live a life of faith and be part of the modern world. Today, I’m a coordinator in EnerJew, working with 4,000 teens across 72 cities. This is my home.”

Her story inspired the audience, highlighting the role of Jewish youth movements in reviving identity and pride.

“Chabad Never Gives Up on Any Jew”

Minister Zeev Elkin, himself born in Kharkiv, praised FJC’s and Chabad emissaries’ tireless work “Chabad connects everyone. You never lose a single Jew—that’s the secret of your success. Every Israeli leader knows and respects what you do.”

The evening marked the climax of a multi-day FJC Forum, celebrating 35 years of dedication across the FSU. It was not only a look back at decades of success but also a call to action — to double down on efforts to strengthen Jewish life, education, and unity for generations to come.