On February 28, 1985, eve of the return of democracy to Uruguay and the swearing-in of President Julio Ma. Sanguinetti, a young, newly married couple arrived at Carrasco International Airport, sent by the Lubavitcher Rebbe to establish a Chabad center in Uruguay, at the request of the Comunidad Israelita del Uruguay.
Rabbi Eliezer Shemtov and his wife Rochi arrived a week before Purim on a PanAm flight full of dignitaries from many countries who came to participate in the peaceful transition to democracy. They came with round-trip tickets. The Shemtovs came with a one-way ticket. The commitment to the Uruguayan Jewish community was for life, or as Rabbi Eliezer Shemtov insists: “it is not for life; it is only until Mashiach comes”.
Eliezer and Rochi set to work immediately. Already for the first Purim, seven days after their arrival, they organized Purim parties and Megillah readings for university students, school children, the nursing home and the Israeli Embassy.
The range and impact —both in Uruguay as well as beyond— of their innovative programs over the years is remarkable.
The Shemtovs’ mission was clear and consistent: to help every member of the Jewish community wherever and however they could, both physically as well as spiritually. It was not necessary to “belong” to Chabad for Chabad to open its door, its heart and its hand. Chabad is always there to support and help strengthen Jewish life in Uruguay.
“When no one can or wants to help,” someone remarked recently, “they know they can turn to Chabad. In Chabad you won’t hear neither ‘I can’t’ nor ‘it’s not our problem'”.
Ten years ago the first “Charrúa Chabad”, Rabbi Mendy Shemtov, arrived in Uruguay, together with his wife Musya and son Tzemach.
Mendy and Musya quickly earned the affection and admiration of everyone —everyone!— and were able to transform that into a catalyst for great positive changes in the lives of countless children, young people and families.
Uruguayans and non-Uruguayan friends all over the world do not need to be told who Mendy and Musya are; their reputation for helping many precedes them.
Bottom line:
While money is not everything, without money nothing gets done.
This Motzaei Shabbat, March 6, Friends of Chabad of Uruguay have launched a mega fundraising campaign with the goal of raising USD360,000 to enable the consolidation and growth of Chabad of Uruguay. During 48 hours every peso raised will be doubled by a group of friends “Matchers”.
During these 48 hours, every peso you donate will have double the impact.
If you are one of those who always dreamed of giving Chabad of Uruguay twice as much as you were able to, now you have the opportunity!
What are you waiting for? Click here to help now!
www.charidy.com/jabadcontigo
I’ve experienced these incredible Shluchim first hand. Hatzlachah!!
Great accomplishment. The Rebbe’s vision has once again proven to be farsighted.