Netanyahu Meets Chabad Delegation Before UN Speech, Receives Blessing

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with a delegation from the Chabad Hasidic movement shortly before departing for his address at the United Nations in New York. The meeting, held in the cabinet room on the eve of the Sukkot holiday, included Rabbi Aharonov, chairman of Agudat Chasidei Chabad, and other prominent rabbis.

During the gathering, the delegation presented Netanyahu with the "Four Species" (etrog, lulav, myrtle, and willow) for Sukkot and gifted him a new book titled "Oseh Shalom" (Makes Peace). They discussed key messages related to the anniversary of the passing of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the seventh Rebbe of Chabad, emphasizing the concept of "L'chatchila Ariber," which encourages acting with elevation and transcendence rather than being limited by reality.

Netanyahu engaged with the delegation, inquiring about the meaning of "L'chatchila Ariber." In an unusual moment that deviated from protocol, the Prime Minister joined the rabbis in singing the Chabad tune associated with this concept. Rabbi Aharonov offered a blessing, stating, "The Rebbe gave you a mission to light a small light in the house of darkness, the UN. You are going there with a large torch on behalf of all the people of Israel."

The delegation also highlighted the Rebbe's past interest in Netanyahu's speeches at the UN, suggesting he carried the Rebbe's mission. Netanyahu expressed that he was unaware of this historical connection. He received the "Oseh Shalom" book and stated he would read it during his flight.