Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams proclaimed the Rebbe‘s birthday on 11 Nissan as “Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson’s 114th Birthday Celebration in Brooklyn, U.S.A.”
The Brooklyn Borough President noted that Brooklyn is the “Yiddishkeit capital of America” and that the International Headquarters of the Lubavitch movement are in Brooklyn since 1940.
The Brooklyn Borough President stressed the “exemplary leadership” of the Rebbe and “all of the lives he has touched and changed.”
Similar tributes in honor of the Rebbe’s birthday were made by President Barack Obama declaring the day as Education and Sharing Day USA, as well as two houses of the New York State Legislature announcing 114 days of education.
Here’s the full text of the proclamation:
Whereas, Brooklyn is a proud home to the largest Jewish population outside of Israel—a special distinction that has given rise to our reputation as the Yiddishkeit capital of America, it is only fitting that we recognize those organizations and individuals that demonstrate a strong commitment to providing support and encouragement to the Jewish residents of our borough and beyond; and
Whereas, all of Brooklyn joins together in spirit with the family, friends, colleagues and admirers of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson who have gathered not to mourn his death but to celebrate his amazing life and give thanks for all of the lives he has touched and changed throughout his time here with us, and in recognition of his impact on the world and those who knew and loved him; and
Whereas, on behalf of all Brooklynites, I salute the memory of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe who was dedicated to the importance of education and serving his community, and established the International Headquarters of the Lubavitch Movement, based in Brooklyn, in 1940; I applaud the exemplary leadership he has shown in helping to shape Chabad and its mission to provide learning programs for children, young people and adults so that they are knowledgeable of Jewish teachings and values; I commend Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson for his vision to establish Chabad-Lubavitch centers where people can grow and fellowship with one another; and I join with you in spirit as he is remembered as an influential man in the hearts and souls of all who had the privilege of knowing him;
Now, therefore, I, Eric L. Adams, President of the Borough of Brooklyn, do hereby proclaim April 19, 2016 as Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson’s 114th Birthday Celebration in Brooklyn, U.S.A.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the
Borough of Brooklyn to be affixed this 19th day of April, 2016.