Chabad Global Envoy Convention Approaches, Israel Sees Record Number of Envoys

Thousands of envoys of the Lubavitcher Rebbe from over 100 countries are set to convene in New York this weekend for the annual Global Envoys Convention. The gathering, scheduled from November 25-30, highlights a significant expansion of Chabad's outreach activities in Israel. Current statistics reveal 1,401 envoys operating across 984 Chabad centers throughout Israel. Since the previous convention, 68 new envoy couples have joined the mission in Israel, and 40 new Chabad centers have been established in various communities and neighborhoods. Globally, the Chabad envoy network comprises over 6,000 families.

The international convention, initiated in 1987 at the Rebbe's request, is entering its 40th year. Preparatory gatherings have been held across Israel in recent weeks, focusing on strengthening spiritual connection and preparing for the journey to the convention, which serves as a platform for global envoys to connect, gain renewed strength, and return to their communities.

The convention's climax includes a joint visit to the Rebbe's Ohel, where a general prayer will be recited, allowing envoys to pray and draw strength for their ongoing mission. A celebratory banquet is scheduled for Sunday at the Meadowlands Exposition Center in New Jersey, following the traditional group photograph at Chabad World Headquarters at 770 Eastern Parkway. The main program will be broadcast live starting at 9:00 PM Israel time, enabling simultaneous viewing in Israel during the evening hours, which corresponds to the afternoon in the United States.

This timing adjustment was influenced by the events of the past three years. Following the October 7th attacks and during the Swords of Iron War, many Israeli envoys remained in their posts instead of attending the convention, to maintain essential activities and support IDF soldiers and families. To facilitate their participation, Aguch and Tzaguch in Israel organized a parallel convention for over a thousand envoys. Consequently, the US banquet was moved to an earlier time, a format that has since been maintained to allow Israeli participation in real-time during reasonable evening hours.

Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Ahronov, Chairman of Aguch and Tzaguch in the Holy Land, stated, "With over 1,400 envoy families in the Holy Land, including 68 new couples and 40 new Chabad centers since the last convention, this is a clear expression of the continued momentum of the envoy mission in the Holy Land. Hundreds of envoys are working to illuminate the world with Torah and Hasidism, and together we are intensifying their activities, aiming, as the Rebbe said, to bring about the true and complete redemption through the welcoming of our righteous Messiah."