Leading Israeli Rabbis Arrive in Mexico City for Torah Fundraising Mission
Last Saturday night, a delegation of prominent Israeli rabbis embarked on a special mission to support the "Olam HaTorah Fund." The group included Rabbi Yitzchak Hillel, Rabbi Aharon Salim, Rabbi Shalom Galai, Rabbi Avraham Eichenstein, Rabbi Yitzchak Chaveroni, and Rabbi Malkiel Kotler from Lakewood Yeshiva in the United States. After nearly 20 hours of flight, the delegation landed in Mexico City on Sunday afternoon.
At the airport, community leaders and representatives warmly welcomed the rabbis, alongside the commander of the Mexico City police, who also participated in the reception. The rabbis then traveled in a police-escorted motorcade to a series of scheduled events across the city. Later that day, an emergency meeting was held at the home of philanthropist Rabbi Daniel Salvador, president of the Monte Sinai community of Syrian and Damascus Jewish descendants. Local rabbis and Torah supporters gathered to lay the foundation for an emergency fundraising campaign on the continent, emphasizing the urgency and obligation to support Torah institutions.
A particularly moving moment occurred when Rabbi Shalom Galai danced with the donors to the song "Tov Li Torat Picha Me'alfei Zahav VeKesef." The delegation also visited Rabbi Isser Rabinowitz's home for a special strengthening meeting, where the rabbis encouraged the community to continue their historic partnership in supporting Torah, especially during these critical times. Rabbi Yaakov Brog, head of Tiferet Avigdor Yeshiva, likened investing in the "Olam HaTorah Fund" to investing in prime real estate, such as the Empire State Building.
In the evening, the rabbis attended a major wedding celebration of families supporting the fund, held at the Beit Yosef synagogue in the Tacamchalco neighborhood. Following the celebration, a special dinner took place at the home of philanthropist Rabbi Adolf Matsliach, where Rabbi Eichenstein spoke about the importance of unity and communal involvement during the month of Elul. Rabbi Zvi Bogomilski from Miami shared a powerful story about a letter from Rabbi Yerucham Mir zt"l that inspired him to donate one million dollars to the fund, highlighting the universal language of Torah and Jewish heart that connects Jews worldwide.
The mission in Mexico continues with further events and gatherings aimed at strengthening support for Torah institutions and deepening partnerships with Mexico's Jewish philanthropists to ensure the survival of yeshivas and kollels.
