By COLlive reporter
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, known for his great friendship with Canada’s Jewish population and his strong support of the state of Israel, hosted a private Chanukah reception along with his wife Laureen, at his home last week.
The intimate event, held in the Prime Minister’s residence at 24 Sussex Drive in Ottawa, included 9 Chabad Shluchim and 5 Shluchos among the fifty invited guests.
In attendance were Rabbi Zalman Grossbaum, Head Shliach to Ontario, Rabbi Yitzchok Wineberg, Head Shliach to British Columbia, Rabbi Berel Mochkin, Head Shliach to Quebec, Rabbi Menachem Matusof, Head Shliach to Alberta, Rabbi Avraham Altein, Head Shliach to Manitoba, Rabbi Chaim Mendelsohn, Shliach in Ottawa, Rabbi Mendel Kaplan, Shliach in Thornhill, Rabbi Rafi Katz, new Shliach in Saskatchewan, and Rabbi Shmuly Hecht, new Shliach in Kelowna, BC.
Shluchos in attendance were Mrs. Esther Grossbaum, Mrs. Henya Wineberg, Mrs. Sima Mochkin, Mrs. Rochel Matusof and Mrs. Bassie Mendelsohn.
Harper mentioned that the historic event was “the first time a Prime Ministers’ home has ever been opened for a Chanukah celebration.”
The Prime Minister also recalled a previous year’s Chanukah party he attended at the Matusof home, and said he was glad this time he could open his home to them.
The Chanukah party and Menorah lighting was coordinated by the Canadian Federation of Chabad Lubavitch, who was responsible for the Kashrus of the food served as well.
During the ceremony Rabbi Mendelsohn welcomed the guests, and addresses were given by Rabbi Reuven Bulka in English and Rabbi Menachem Matusof in French.
Rabbi Altein was joined by the Prime Minister for the lighting of the Menorah.
Other notables in attendance were Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Jason Kenney, Senator Linda Frum, Scott Reid MP and Miriam Ziv, the Israeli Ambassador to Canada.
“It was truly an incredible, inspiring event,” Rabbi Chaim Mendelsohn, who worked closely with the Prime Minister’s staff to plan the event, told COLlive.com.
“Prime Minister Harper is a dear friend of the Jewish community, and in the truest sense he is the greatest supporter of Israel and Jewish causes of all of today’s world leaders.”
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we love our PM
We should be so blessed to have such a mentsch and friend of the yidden and eretz yisroel in power in America.
one chassidshe yungerman with right over left!
Much Hatslacha!
Prime Minister Stephen Harper is a blessing from above. The man is a true friend of the Yidden, as well as an ardent supporter of Eretz Yisroel. He has been critisized a lot bc of his unconditional support for Israel, both by the UN, as well as the large Arab population in Canada (outnumbering the Jewish population by far). May Hashem give him strength to continue the great work that he does.
PS: Too bad the US is being lead by two-faced Obama and not a strong and courageous man like PM Harper.
WHOAAAA GO MRS MOCHKIN!
what you have done for vancouver and british columbia is beyond words. thank you! proud to see bc represented at a national event.
ps mrs wineberg you look beautiful!
Your continued forseight has helped make Ontario a great Province home to many Shluchim and Chabad Institutions. Your Chassidishkeit is a great example to all of the Jewish community. May you continue your Shlichus wish much hatzlacha “ad vias goel!”
May god bless him, he is an amazing person!!!!!!!!
wow!!!!!!!!!!!
you are amazing
go mochkins!!!!
We have never had a more genuine friend than Mr. Harper. Hashem should bless him and keep him in office until Moshiach comes.
In Canada, in Europe – they make it happen everywhere
Rabbi & Mrs. Grossbaum are such wonderful role models in so many ways. May Hashem give you the strength to be Matzliach in your Shlichus until 120.
N.S.
Stephen Harper is a mentch, a fearless leader, a man who is led by a strong conscience and a clear mind.
May G-d bless him and his wife – and may he continue to lead us for many more years to come!
Signed,
Proud Canadian
Thank you Prime Minister Stephen Harper for always supporting Israel and standing up for the truth, in the U.N. as well as at home. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUfFdhIOoQM
Hashem should bless him