Thousands of Chabad Emissaries Gather for Iconic Group Photo in New York

Thousands of Chabad emissaries from around the world convened in New York for their annual iconic group photograph in front of the movement's global headquarters at 770 Eastern Parkway in Crown Heights. The emissaries, representing over 4,000 communities in 111 countries, stood together in a display of Jewish pride and resilience.

The gathering takes place during a complex period for Jews globally, and the event aims to convey a message of strengthening Jewish identity and faith. This year's conference coincides with the completion of the "Kaddish Yatom" (mourner's prayer) for the 16 victims of a December terror attack at a Chabad Hanukkah party in Sydney, Australia, which included emissary Rabbi Eli Schlanger.

Mendy Kotlarsky, the conference director, addressed the current climate, stating, "The Jewish people worldwide need encouragement and hope. In the face of every difficulty, the Jewish people have responded to darkness with an increase of light." He emphasized that Chabad emissaries are at the forefront of supporting Jewish communities globally, working around the clock. Kotlarsky added that the photograph sends a clear message: "The Jewish people are alive, strong, proud, and we are not going anywhere."

Data presented at the conference revealed that hundreds of new families have joined the Chabad emissary network in the past year, with approximately 70 joining in Israel alone. The global network now comprises 6,489 families, including 1,401 operating within Israel.

Yosef Yitzchak Ahronov, Chairman of the Young Agudath Chabad in the Holy Land, highlighted the significance of the Chabad House network, noting it has become an integral part of the global Jewish lexicon. He credited the Rebbe for establishing this vast infrastructure over decades through the emissaries, ensuring that any Jew, no matter how far from home, can find a welcoming door at a Chabad House.