Thousands of Chabad communities around the world have been paying tribute to the slain Shluchim and Jews, who were brutally murdered by Islamic extremists last week. The tragedy really hits home in the Far-East, where Shluchim and their communities have had to cope with the loss of their regional colleagues, neighbors, and friends.
Chabad of Hong Kong held a major memorial service this past week at the JCC’s garden room. Over 300 people filled Hong Kong’s largest Jewish hall to remember the Shluchim.
The event was called “Fighting fire with fire,” and officially launched the “Be a Lamplighter” campaign, encouraging Jews to choose a Mitzvah that they would undertake in memory of those taken from us.
Israel’s representative to Hong Kong, Consul General Amikam Levy addressed the assembled. Rabbi Martin Vandenberg, the Rabbi of the Ohel Leah Shul also shared remarks. Members of the community who either visited or had ived in Mumbai with the Holtzbergs spoke about the exceptional Shluchim.
Rabbi Mordechai Avtzon delivered a fiery speech begging everyone to turn their passion into faith and take upon themselves additional Mitzvot. Rabbi Avtzon asked Jewish women and girls to light the Shabbos candles which Rivkah can no longer kindle. He encouraged the men to don the Tefilin that Gabi no longer can.
Attendees lit “candles of goodness,” and a special video presentation was shown.
The event was very moving and was a tremendous Kidush Hashem.
