10,000 Jews at the Eiffel Tower

By COLlive reporter

An impressive show of Jewish unity was on full display on Sunday when some 10,000 Jews of all ages gathered in front of the Eiffel Tower, the global cultural icon of France.

They came from 130 locations in Paris and as far as Toulouse on the banks of the River Garonne in the south, Strasbourg in the east bordering Germany and Lille in the north bordering Belgium.

Parents and children came in private cars and 110 buses to the “grande parade” in honor of Lag BaOmer, organized by Beth Loubavitch, led by Head Shliach Rabbi Shmuel Azimov.

Equipped with hats and water bottles, children and staff of all Jewish schools and educational institutions marched proudly in a tradition that was held in front of the Rebbe at Lubavitch Headquarters in Brooklyn, NY.

Participants recited the 12 Pesukim, sang Jewish melodies and watched giant displays of Jewish themes crafted on floats driving along the parade route. The emcee Rabbi Binyomin Mergui, responsible for the organization with his son Yossi, introduced each float.

Remarks were heard from France’s interim co-Chief Rabbi Oliver Kaufman, Joel Mergui, President of the central Consistoire organization for religious services, and Ariel Goldman, Chairman of the CRIF umbrella group representing French Jewry.

Participants later continued to a family fair where they got kosher food, a treat and a new children’s book published by Chabad. “It all left a very strong impression on everyone,” a participant told COLlive.