Elder Antwerp Chossid Shed Tears at Parade

Over one thousand Jewish children joined a grand Lag BaOmer parade that walked through the streets of the “diamond town” of Antwerp, Belgium.

Chabad of Antwerp, led by Shliach Rabbi Shabtai Salvatitzki, organized the parade with the participation of students of the city’s Frum Jewish schools.

The parade marched along the Belgiëlei Boulevard, which crosses the Jewish neighborhood and is also a main traffic artery in the city. This, like other avenues leading to it, were blocked by police and the Jewish community’s security organization.

The hard work and dedication to preparing for the grand event paid off as children arrived in Shabbos clothing.

They were greeted warmly by the Shliach Rabbi Yosef Slavtitzki, who expertly organized the children by group, according to their school, including Vizhnitz, Tifferet Antwerp, Belz, Yisodei Torah and the other educational institutions.

With lively music playing, the children marched carrying signs adorned with slogans about Torah and Mitzvos. Passersby and local residents gazed at the marvelous sight.

Rabbi Yaakov Friedrich, one of the elders of the Chabad community in Antwerp who has survived the Nazi Holocaust, was especially emotional at the beautiful portrayal of Jewish pride and continuity.

“I can point to almost every street corner and remember how the oppressors tormented the persecuted Jews,” the elder chossid commented with tears in his eyes. “I just cannot believe my eyes to see Yiddishe children walking proudly here.”

Thanked for helping organize the parade were Shliach Rabbi Mendel Gourarie and the bochurim Yossi Weiss, Schneur Lipsker, Michoel Gourevitch, And Boruch Ruchamkin.