The world shook over the festival of Simchas Torah, as the Jewish Nation was attacked. This horrific strike brought in its wake beautiful scenes of strength, unity, and prayer. Some of the most poignant demonstrations of Jewish solidarity are being brought about by children at Chabad Hebrew Schools worldwide participating in local and global children’s rallies facilitated by CKids International at Merkos 302.
Already on Monday, the day after Simchas Torah, the CKids Unity Rally for North America unfolded, with close to 3,000 eager participants joining from their homes, alongside their families. With Rabbi Berel Paltiel of Chabad Port Washington leading the event, these young and pure souls united in Torah, Tefila, and Tzedakah, showcasing the unwavering support for the Jewish Nation that flows through the hearts of Chabad Hebrew School children.
Not to be outdone, Argentina’s nationwide event saw a tremendous turnout, with hundreds of children joining their voices in prayer for Israel’s well-being. The message of unity and hope was clear: no matter where they were, these young souls were committed to making a difference.
Australia, too, made its mark on this global show of unity, with over 1,000 children participating in their very own CKids Unity Rally. With Rabbi Mendy Shapiro of Sydney, Australia, serving as the master of ceremonies, the rally in Australia became a symbol of the unbreakable bonds that connect Jewish children worldwide.
One cannot help but be moved by the sight of children united in their support for Israel. Mrs. Etti Silberstein of Chabad Buenos Aires, Argentina, a driving force behind the Spanish-language efforts, expressed how heartening it was to witness children from different corners of the globe coming together for a common cause. Rabbi Yossi Shuchat from JEMS in Australia played a pivotal role in facilitating this powerful display of unity, while Rabbi Chai Kohan spearheaded the Spanish-language segment.
The CKids Israel Response, led by Chaya Zirkind, Sarah Chein, and Rabbi Zalmy Loewenthal, worked tirelessly behind the scenes to coordinate this global effort. Their dedication and hard work ensured that the rallies went off without a hitch, and that every child was engaged and sent a prayer from their young hearts directly to the heavens.
Remarkably, these rallies were organized in just a matter of hours, the first one being broadcast the day after Simchas Torah. The materials used for these gatherings along with a robust and comprehensive collection of Hebrew School resources for Israel, are available from Merkos 302’s Israel Response Desk for local communities to host their own rallies and events, continuing to send their powerful prayers along with a message of unity and hope.
As Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, Vice Chairman of Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch and Chairman of CKids International, aptly put it, “In these harrowing times, our brethren in Israel are suffering, families are in pain, and children are running to bomb shelters. Just as throughout the history of our people, the prayers of the children pierced the heavens and brought miracles; we hope to see the same today.”
Indeed, these rallies serve as a shining example of the impact that unity, prayer, and acts of kindness can have in times of turmoil. As we join in prayers for the ultimate peace with the coming of Moshiach, may the spirit of unity demonstrated by these young Chabad Hebrew School children be a source of inspiration for us all.
For any questions or comments please reach out to the Israel Response Desk at Merkos 302
I pray for Israel’s strength, and the annihilation of Amalek.