Border Police Present Tefillin to Youth at New Beitar Illit Torah Center Named for Slain Rabbi

In Beitar Illit, a new synagogue and youth center named "Migdal Or - Beit Tzvi" was inaugurated in memory of Rabbi Tzvi Cohen, a revered emissary who was brutally murdered in Abu Dhabi in 2021. The center, located in the bustling business district, serves as a spiritual hub offering prayer services and Torah classes, continuing Rabbi Cohen's legacy of outreach and education.

The dedication ceremony featured prominent rabbis including Rabbi Chaim Elazar Weiss and Rabbi Yitzchak Moalem, who affixed mezuzot to the new building and praised the ongoing work of Rabbi Pinny Deitsch, the center's leader. Rabbi Cohen's father, Rabbi Alexander Sander Cohen, emotionally recalled how his son first connected with Rabbi Deitsch years ago at the same location, highlighting the full-circle nature of the event.

The celebration coincided with the "chalakah" ceremony of Rabbi Deitsch's three-year-old son, symbolizing continuity of tradition and hope for the future. Attendees included local officials, Chabad activists, and youth involved with the "Beit BaKikar" organization, which operates the center.

A notable moment occurred when Border Police officers, who regularly participate in the center's activities by donning tefillin and distributing Shabbat candles, donated a pair of tefillin to one of the youths. The recipient expressed heartfelt gratitude in front of the crowd. The event concluded with a festive meal and singing, underscoring the center's role as a beacon of spiritual growth and community resilience.

"Migdal Or - Beit Tzvi" stands not only as a memorial but as an active institution fostering Torah learning and chassidic values among the next generation, inspired by the enduring light of Rabbi Cohen's dedication and sacrifice.