Arutz ShevaCulture18:15

Thousands of Chabad Emissaries Gather for Annual Group Photo in Brooklyn

By איציק ברנדויין

Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba

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Thousands of Chabad emissaries from 111 countries gathered in Brooklyn for their annual group photo at the Chabad World Center. The event, held amidst mourning for 16 victims of a Sydney attack, aimed to project Jewish unity and resilience. Speakers highlighted the continuation of Chabad's global work and expansion, with hundreds of new families joining the network, including 70 in Israel.

The story in 5 lines · by baba

Thousands of Chabad emissaries from 111 countries gathered for a group photo at the Chabad World Center in Brooklyn.
The annual gathering occurred during the mourning period for 16 victims of a December attack at a Hanukkah party in Sydney.
Chabad emissaries aim to send a message of unity, Jewish pride, and resilience to global Jewish communities.
The Chabad emissary network has expanded significantly, with hundreds of new families joining in the past year.
Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky stated the Jewish people are alive, strong, proud, and resilient in the face of adversity.

Thousands of Chabad emissaries from 111 countries and over 4,000 communities worldwide convened at the front of the Chabad World Center, 770 Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn, for their traditional group photograph. This year's gathering takes place amidst the ongoing mourning for the 16 victims of the deadly attack at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney last December, which included a Chabad emissary.

The annual World Emissaries Conference saw emissaries, who serve in 111 countries and more than 4,000 Jewish communities, assemble for the iconic photo, a symbol of the conference. Chabad representatives noted the photograph's special significance this year, aiming to convey a message of unity, Jewish pride, and resilience in the face of challenges confronting Jewish communities globally.

The conference coincides with the completion of the recitation of Kaddish for the 16 victims of the Bondi Beach, Sydney, Hanukkah party attack last December. Among the deceased was Chabad emissary Rabbi Eli Schlangr. Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky addressed the event's significance, stating that even as many Jews require strengthening and encouragement, emissaries continue their global work. He recalled that following the attack, menorahs were lit in public squares worldwide the very next evening, with greater light and unprecedented numbers.

Kotlarsky emphasized that Jewish history has shown that the response to difficult events is always to increase activity and spread light. "This picture sends a clear message: the Jewish people are alive, strong, proud, and we are not going anywhere," he stated. Concurrently, Chabad reported significant expansion of its emissary network. In the past year, hundreds of new families joined, including approximately 70 in Israel alone. The network now comprises 6,489 families worldwide, with 1,401 based in Israel.

Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Ahronov, chairman of Youth Chabad of Israel, spoke about the emissary initiative established by the Rebbe of Lubavitch and the role of Chabad Houses globally. He described the term "Chabad House" as an integral part of Jewish life, built upon decades of effort in establishing an international community network. "A Jew can be very far from home, yet know there is a door he can knock on without explaining who he is or what his views are. He is Jewish, so this is also his home," Ahronov said.