“Arriba El Lazo!”
With those words, Rabbi Shlomo Levy, the Chabad shliach who founded the El Lazo Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina, welcomed more than 500 people to the El Lazo 30-Year Gala Dinner.
“Tonight we celebrate the first 30 years, and we begin building the next 30,” he told the crowd, receiving roaring applause.
In 1995, Rabbi Shlomo and Rebbetzin Rachel Levy opened what would become the first Chabad on Campus and Chabad Young Professionals center in Buenos Aires, affectionately known simply as El Lazo.
The gala marked three decades of groundbreaking work. The atmosphere was electric: shluchim, members of anash, young couples, alumni, parents, teens, and students from every corner of Jewish life gathered, each carrying a personal story of connection, transformation, and rediscovery of Yiddishkeit.
The event was honored by the presence of prominent community leaders, including Rabbi Tzvi Grunblatt, Head Shliach of Argentina, together with numerous local shluchim who came to celebrate this milestone. Also in attendance were many philanthropists, Osvaldo Armoza (AMIA President), Jorge Zak (President of Taglit), and Matías Toronski (President of Club Macabi).
The evening featured moving video messages from shluchim around the world who trace the beginnings of their journey to Jewish life back to the warmth and guidance of Rabbi Levy.
Over 3,500 couples who met at El Lazo and built Jewish homes. Dozens of shluchim and shluchos inspired into lifelong shlichus. Thousands of students whose first steps into Torah and mitzvos happened inside the walls of this vibrant Chabad House.
One of the most emotional moments came when Rabbi Levy asked those who met their spouse through El Lazo to stand up. Half the hall rose to their feet. The applause seemed endless — a living testament to Jewish continuity and the heart-changing power of El Lazo.
Beyond the local impact, El Lazo is recognized today as the pioneering model that awakened Jewish youth in Argentina and throughout Latin America.
Long before “young professionals” programs became a trend, El Lazo built an entire ecosystem of engagement — university programs, Shabbat dinners, couples’ communities, leadership tracks, immersive learning, trips, social impact projects, and creative social events.
Today, its model is actively replicated in other communities, movements, and Chabad Houses across the world, inspired by what began in Buenos Aires 30 years ago.
A Celebration and a Launching Point
The gala also marked the launch of a $1M Charidy campaign, aimed at sustaining the rapidly expanding programs and securing funds for an urgently needed new building — a home worthy of the explosive growth of this young Jewish community.
Long-time supporter Mr. Pato Fuks moved the crowd with a powerful message: “Your net worth is not how much you have — but how much you give.”
True to El Lazo’s spirit, the evening concluded with spirited dancing — celebrating Yiddishkeit, life, and a movement that has shaped a generation and will undoubtedly shape the next 30 years of Jewish life in Argentina.
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Gracias Shlomo y Rajel por el increible trabajo!