Hundreds Flock to Alma Ata to Mark 75th Yartzeit

By COLlive reporter
Photos: Yossi Rosenbaum

Hundreds of Chassidim, Rabbonim, Shluchim, Mashpiim, bochurim, and mekuravim landed in Alma Ata, Kazakhstan on Tuesday, in preparation for the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the yartzeit of Rabbi Levi Yitzchok Schneerson, the father of Rebbe.

Among the visitors, noticeably present are a prominent group of Chabad Shluchim from across the world, from South Africa to China, from New York to Russia, alongside Jews of all types, who were inspired to embark on this journey to the holy gravesite. One of the visitors is Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, Vice Chairman of Merkos.

Also in attendance are a group of 60 bochurim, Temimim from Yeshivos in the United States and Canada, who won a special raffle for the opportunity to join the all-expense paid trip, having joined a study program of the teachings of the Rebbe’s father as well as memories of the Rebbe’s holy mother, the Rebbetzin Chana.

For the first time this year, a beautiful addition to the guests are the women: About 60 women from N’shei Chabad of Israel have arrived as well to stay near the holy gravesite, and will be participating in their own program organized by their organization.

The visitors will be joining a packed program, which includes Shiurim in Chassidus from various Mashpiim, along with fascinating lectures that will depict the life of Rabbi Levik. All this in addition to the usual grand farbrengens held each year both the night before and on the day of the yartzeit.

In close proximity to the Ohel, a special tent was set up, with air conditioning and cold drinks, in which the visitors can comfortably write a pan, study and daven.

In recent years, there has been a great awakening among many anash and bochurim to visit the gravesite in Alma Ata, due in part to the kind and generous contributions of donors R’ Avraham Shaulzon of Florida and R’ Shmuel Stern of Crown Heights.