HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam — Almost one year after the establishment of a permanent Chabad-Lubavitch presence in Vietnam, Jewish life has blossomed across southeast Asia. As evidenced by those in attendance at High Holiday services this month in Ho Chi Minh City, a cross section of world Jewry has been empowered to fully connect with their heritage.
Ho Chi Minh City Becomes Hub for Southeast Asian Jewry’s High Holiday Festivities
HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam — Almost one year after the establishment of a permanent Chabad-Lubavitch presence in Vietnam, Jewish life has blossomed across southeast Asia. As evidenced by those in attendance at High Holiday services this month in Ho Chi Minh City, a cross section of world Jewry has been empowered to fully connect with their heritage.
Diplomatic personnel came from Hanoi and stayed in a hotel. Jews from neighboring countries arrived; tourists stopped by to pray.
“There are all types of Jews here,” reported Dror Markus, who came from Siem Reap, Cambodia, to celebrate Yom Kippur at the Chabad-Lubavitch center. “Some [are] travelers from Israel, the States, Jews from the local community, and a Jew from Iran. It was very interesting to meet and [enjoy] the brotherhood.
”I am only one of two Jews that live in my city,“ added Markus. ”I usually celebrate holidays alone with the story from the Bible and a movie that is connected someway to the holiday.”
