An announcement by the Bureau Lubavitch European:
When two Jews meet, it is to do good for a third, Rabbi Shmuel of Lubavitch teaches us.
For more than 72 years, under the leadership and guidance of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, Chabad Lubavitch of France has created and maintains a vast network of institutions: Chabad Houses, Jewish day schools, synagogues, community centers and summer camps as well as services for the sick and needy.
In 1947, in the aftermath of the Second World War, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, the previous Lubavitcher Rebbe, opened in Paris “The Lishka”, the headquarters of his overseas, social, educational and religious activities, covering Europe, North Africa and Israel. He placed at its head one of his most devoted Chasidim, Rabbi Binyamin Gorodetsky.
The educational and cultural programs and services in France and North Africa began soon after the end of WW II. They consisted both of economic and social services with special emphasis on religious and cultural education. Our network of schools in North Africa and France had grown to approximately 20,000 children (Morocco alone had 10,000).
With the influx of immigration from Morocco, Tunisia, Algiers and Egypt, the Jewish population of France has grown considerably, and at present numbers about 600,000, with Jews from Ashkenazic and Sephardic origin.
The demographic change has also shifted greater attention to the cultural and social needs of the Jewish community in France. It should be noted that many of the Jews living in France today are first and second generation North African Jews, who had been beneficiaries, in one way or another, of the programs and services which Lubavitch was able to provide, largely with the cooperation and support of the American Joint Distribution Committee (AJDC). Cooperation and support of the JDC for the work of Lubavitch goes back to post WW I in Russia.
Throughout the past 72 years, Lubavitch has been a leading force within the Jewish community in France and has been at the forefront of rebuilding the Jewish communities throughout France.
Catering to the broad range of needs that arise in any Jewish community, from the small ones in isolated and often distant places, to those in bustling metropolises. There are more than 200 Chabad centers & Institutions throughout the country. Lubavitch is the largest Jewish outreach and educational organization in France with a total of over 15,000 children enrolled in our Day Schools.
Lubavitch welcomes and provides much-needed guidance and assistance to all Jews regardless of background and affiliation.
The present political situation in France is difficult. Anti-Semitic acts and statements encouraging anti-Semitism have become routine. The Jewish community is struggling to overcome this terrible burden. Lubavitch is there to reassure, encourage and reinforce the conviction required to continue leading a normal life with a multitude of programs and activities.
The needs are constantly growing and we look forward to accomplishing this sacred work and answering the challenge. Through the generosity of World Jewry, we are able to accomplish this vital task of insuring the continuity and the future of European Jewry.
Thanks to this first meeting between the Rebbe and his devoted Chassid, hundreds of thousands of Jews benefited directly or indirectly from the actions of the Bureau Lubavitch European.
The needs are constantly growing and we look forward to accomplishing this sacred work and answering the challenge. Through the generosity of World Jewry, we are able to accomplish this vital task of ensuring the continuity and future of European Jewry.
Donate at https://www.charidy.com/france
