Thousands of Jews from all backgrounds visited the “International Sukkah” opposite the United Nations, and the other central Lubavitch Youth Organization’s sukkahs at Foley Square by the court Houses and the downtown Sukkah near “The Bull” the Wall Street landmark.
At these sukkos, respected lawyers could be seen catching a few moments for lunch before hurrying back to their prestigious offices. Nearby, for example, a prominent contractor sat next to a real estate broker, completing their conversation as they grabbed a bite in the sukkah.
Alongside were Chassidim who had to be in the city during the holiday to take care of affairs that would otherwise lead to a loss, and tourists visiting New York who sought a sukkah where they could eat their meal.
Despite threats by Arabs who declared the sukkah a “threat to peace,” the International Sukkah of central Lubavitch Youth Organization was erected.
Jewish diplomats visited the sukkah to fulfill the commandment of lulav and esrog, and to witness the “miracle of Sukkos” together with Jews of all backgrounds.
Israel Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon attended a special reception in the International Sukkah and was welcomed by Rabbi Shmuel Butman, Director of the Lubavitch Youth Organization.
They discussed what the Rebbe said to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, then Israel Ambassador to the United Nations, “Remember, that in a hall of perfect darkness, if you light one small candle, its precious light will be seen from afar, by everyone. Your mission is to light a candle for truth and for the Jewish people.”
Rabbi Butman told the Ambassador, “Your job is even more needed now than that of Ambassador Netanyahu’s at that time.”
“Why is that?” the Ambassador asked.
“Because now there is so much more darkness,” answered Rabbi Butman. The Ambassador agreed wholeheartedly.
Talking to visitors Rabbi Butman, stressed the strategic significance of this unique location: “We are here right opposite the building where some have denied the Holocaust and demand destruction, G-d forbid, of the Jewish people and now denying the connection of the Jewish People to Yerusholayim.”
Quoting from Koheles (Ecclesiastes) “G-d has made one opposite the other,” Rabbi Butman continued “the lesson is clear and unambiguous, that the sukka of peace will nullify all slanderous words and bring peace, true peace, to all humankind.”
CHABAD HELPS FAMILIES
Many families taking their young children on Chol Hamoed trips brought them to visit the sukkah. “Now I don’t need to worry about where to give my children food,” said one happy mother. “Chabad has already taken care of it for us.”
Pairs of Chabad yeshiva students covered many city neighborhoods, working with typical Chassidic enthusiasm to bring the mitzvah of lulav and esrog to many thousands of Jews.
“This is an integral part of the Rebbe’s activities expressing his concern for every Jew, wherever he is,” noted Rabbi Yossi Butman, who organized the Sukkos activities for the Lubavitch Youth Organization, together with a team of Chabad yeshiva students who worked energetically to ensure the activities’ success.
The directives of the Rebbe in the present situation. Rabbi Shmuel Butman, Director, Lubavitch Youth Organization and Israel Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon, making the Brocha (blessing) over the “Four Kinds,” at the Chabad Lubavitch International Sukkah across from the United Nations.
Hatzlacha Rabba, A Good Yom Tov, A Good G’Benchted Year to all Chassidim involved with putting up and maintaining the public Succahs! We want Moshiach Now!