Strengthening Riots in Greece Keep Jewish Residents on Edge

ATHEN, Greece — As riots in Greece’s two largest cities extended into their third day with some of the worst violence seen yet, the Jewish community of Athens is safe, but apprehensive. The Chabad-Lubavitch center that Rabbi Mendel and Nechama Hendel have operated since 2001 is operating as usual, with the couple regularly checking up on residents by telephone.

Speaking Monday night as anarchist youths took their spree of arson and vandalism closer to the capital’s Parliament, the rabbi said that the previous two hours had seen a drastic intensification in the protesters’ actions.

Synagogue’s Anniversary

S. PETERSBURG, Russia [FJC] — Today, the Jewish community of S. Petersburg is marking the anniversary when, exactly 115 years ago on December 8th, 1893, its Great Choral Synagogue was built. Built on Bolshaya Masterskaya Street (now Lermontov Avenue), a festive ceremony took place on that historic day so many years ago in order to consecrate the new Great Choral Synagogue.

Today’s ceremony took place in the very same central prayer hall that has, thank G-d, once again come to be the center of Jewish life in Russia’s northern capital, hosting Jewish holidays, lectures, concerts and other gatherings.

I’m Still Waiting For You, Rivki

KATAMANDU, Nepal — Chani Lifshitz, Chabad representative in Katamandu, Nepal, wrote a letter to her close friend, Rivkah Holtzberg, following the tragedy in Mumbai. Lubavitch.com presents a translation from the Hebrew that appeared in the Israeli paper, Yediot Achronot.

Jewish Mission Makes Chabad A Target

BROOKLYN, NY [AP] — It must have been easy for the terrorists, rampaging through Mumbai, to find the Chabad Jewish center where they slaughtered six people.

Signs in Hebrew and English are posted outside Chabad houses. The street address of each building can be found through the online global directory the movement developed to attract visitors. Worship and activity schedules at the centers are often just a few more clicks away.

Chabad of Bangalore to be Ready in Two Weeks

BANGALORE, India — A Chabad Bangalore Jewish centre proposed to be set up by Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg and Rivkah Holtzberg will cater to the cultural and Jewish businessmen and technology professionals working in Bangalore. It’ll also reach out to the larger community to spread the good word of selflessness.