Cyprus: New U.S. Ambassador Attends Rosh Hashanah Event Hosted by Jewish Community

A moment of friendship and mutual respect took place in the Jewish community of Cyprus as the newly appointed United States Ambassador to Cyprus, John Breslow, attended a Rosh Hashanah event in Larnaca together with his wife, Sonia. Hundreds of members of the Jewish community participated in the event.

The ambassador and his family were warmly welcomed by Rabbi Aryeh Zev Raskin, Chabad emissary and Chief Rabbi of Cyprus, and his wife, Rebbetzin Sheindel Raskin.

The ambassador’s visit came just days after he presented his credentials to Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, formally beginning his tenure as the United States Ambassador to Cyprus.

During the event, Rabbi Raskin spoke about the special significance of Rosh Hashanah and the importance of friendship, mutual respect and understanding between the Jewish community, Cyprus and the United States.

Some 3,000 Jews Across Cyprus

The Larnaca gathering was part of a broad network of Jewish activity held throughout the island during Rosh Hashanah. Alongside the main event in Larnaca, some 3,000 Jews participated in prayers and programs welcoming the Jewish New Year at seven Chabad centers across Cyprus.

A central focus of the holiday activities was the mitzvah of hearing the shofar. Special educational programs were also held for children, connecting the younger generation with the atmosphere of Rosh Hashanah and Jewish tradition.

The activities began already during the month of Elul, with special programs for children and teenagers, classes and preparations for the High Holidays. At the same time, Chabad centers throughout Cyprus organized tefillin and mezuzah checking campaigns, giving Jews an opportunity to have their sacred articles inspected for kashrus ahead of the new year.

For the Jewish community in Cyprus, which serves as a welcoming home for local Jews as well as visitors from around the world, the extensive Rosh Hashanah activity reflects the ongoing efforts of Chabad emissaries across the island.

Rabbi Aryeh Zev Raskin, Chabad emissary and Chief Rabbi of Cyprus, works together with Chabad emissaries and community teams throughout the island to strengthen Jewish life, provide spiritual and communal support, and build bridges of friendship and understanding with Cypriot society and government and diplomatic officials.