30 Hours to Keep Shliach Safe

As the shock of dramatic world events recently sets in, the tension only increases manifold for the Jewish community, ever aware of its vulnerable position as the scapegoat for global ills.

For Malmö’s Rabbi Shneur and Reizel Kesselman this isn’t an abstract problem but a real and urgent concern.

Dubbed “Almost certainly, Europe’s most persecuted Jew,” Rabbi Kesselman is a most visible Jewish symbol in a city known for its virulent anti-Semitism.

Hundreds of colleagues and admirers around the world have galvanized to the cause of securing the Rabbi and his family so that they can continue their selfless service to the 1,500 Jews in Malmo and the surrounds.

$300,000 is the target and thanks to a number of matching funders, every contribution made in the next 24 hours will be doubled. Those looking to contribute can do so at www.matchathon.com/malmo.

Matching the funds are Eduardo Elsztain, Rozenblit Family Foundation, Martin & Lone Stern, Shluchim Friends of Chabad Malmo and Crown Heights Circle of Friends.

Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, Vice Chairman of Merkos, was instrumental in assisting with a considerable sum as well.

“They are the canary in the coal mine for the rest of Europe and Shlichus across the globe,” said one of the friends involved in the efforts spearheaded by the Shluchim in Scandinavia.

“We, fellow Jews across the globe, have a duty to send the world a message loud and clear – the Jewish people are here to stay.”

Many communities, in Europe, South Africa, Asia and of course the USA have created “team” commitments toward this noble cause and even before the official launch time of the campaign (on 12 noon EST Wednesday 25 November) donations have been pouring in from across the globe.

It’s an all or nothing campaign. “We need everyone involved to help us reach the finish line,” said one of the organizers, “please make sure to go online and let the Shluchim in Malmo know that they aren’t standing alone on the front line of European anti-Semitism.”

To join, visit www.matchathon.com/malmo.