Obama Appoints Chabad Benefactor as Ambassador to Luxembourg

On October 18, 2011, Mr. Robert A. Mandell was officially approved by the Senate as the United States Ambassador to Luxembourg, after being appointed by President Barack Obama.

In the Winter of 1988, as part of “Shnas Habinyan”, the Lubavitcher Rebbe encouraged all Shluchim to expand their Chabad Centers. The Rebbe even included the words “Uv’chanuni Nah B’zos” (“test me in this”) — proclaiming that success will surely come despite any and all financial constraints.

Mandell responded to Rabbi Sholom Dubov, Executive Director of Chabad of Greater Orlando, by graciously hosting Orlando’s first Chabad Center for 7 years rent-free! Over the following years, the relationship between the Mandell family and Chabad flourished. In January of 2010 Mandell was fêted as the Guest of Honor at its 25 Year Anniversary Gala.

Mandell, an Orlando native, has been active in the business community as well as philanthropic enterprises throughout Central Florida. He served as CEO of Greater Construction building over 16,000 homes. Mr. Mandell served on the Board of Trustees of the Burnham Institute and of the Florida Hospital. Mr. Mandell continues to be a generous supporter and friend of Chabad of Greater Orlando.

Robert A. Mandell feted as the Guest of Honor at the 25 Year Anniversary Gala