The International Conference of Shluchim concluded with a moving closing ceremony, celebrating the vast tapestry of Jewish life worldwide and reaffirming Chabad’s unwavering commitment to reach every Jew, everywhere, no matter the obstacles. Held in Edison, New Jersey, the event united over 6,500 Shluchim and their guests from more than 110 countries.
This year’s gathering took on new meaning, taking place just a week after the horrific murder of Rabbi Zvi Kogan, a devoted Shliach in the United Arab Emirates. The ceremony commenced with a heartfelt tribute to Rabbi Kogan. Rabbi Levi Duchman, Chief Rabbi of the UAE and director of Chabad-Lubavitch of the United Arab Emirates, addressed the assembly with deep emotion.
Despite the heartbreak, Rabbi Duchman and his colleagues expressed a determined commitment to continue their vital work. “That is what Zvi would have wanted,” affirmed Rabbi Yehuda Marasow, Chabad Shliach in Abu Dhabi. “We are all now tasked with carrying forward his mission.”
In a touching display of solidarity, the conference connected live with Rabbi Kogan’s family in Jerusalem, who were in mourning. Thousands stood together, sharing traditional words of comfort, demonstrating unity and support for the grieving family.
The conference also honored the life of Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, who spearheaded the Kinus for the last four decades and dedicated his life to actualizing the Rebbe’s vision. His son, Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, who recently undertook his father’s role as director of the conference, took the stage in his father’s place.
“My father always reiterated the Rebbe’s call to reach out to those who might seem beyond our reach,” said Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky. “Take a moment to think of one more person in your life—a neighbor, a colleague—someone others might deem impossible to connect with—and take action.”
He highlighted one of his father’s final initiatives: a campaign to inspire 120 million mitzvot. To achieve this ambitious goal, they launched OneMitzvah.org, a platform designed to encourage everyone to involve friends and family in acts of kindness. “Engage your network because that’s how we’ll make a real impact and usher in an era of peace and redemption,” he emphasized.
One of the most moving moments of the evening came when Rabbi Yehoshua Soudakoff, Shliach to the Jewish Deaf Community, took the stage. Addressing the assembly in American Sign Language (ASL), his speech was simultaneously translated for all to understand.
“For a deaf person, finding a place within the community can be challenging,” Rabbi Soudakoff expressed through his interpreter. “But we are here to change that narrative.”
He shared personal anecdotes about the isolation many deaf individuals feel within the broader Jewish community and emphasized the importance of accessibility and inclusion.
“Our mission is to ensure that every Jew, regardless of ability, feels a sense of belonging,” he declared. “Let’s continue our sacred work to reach every single one of them and inspire them, just as I was once inspired.”
As he concluded, the entire assembly rose in a standing ovation, the applause resonating throughout the hall. The emotion was palpable, with many attendees visibly moved by his heartfelt message.
A special video presentation highlighted Chabad’s work on Israel’s frontlines. Rabbi Gershon Shnur of Chabad of Ganei Tikvah spoke about serving as an Shliach while fulfilling his duties as an army reservist. Rabbi Shalom Ber Hertzel, serving in Israel’s far north since recent conflicts began, discussed the nation’s challenges and his role in providing spiritual support.
After the presentation, Rabbis Shnur and Hertzel led the assembly in a heartfelt recitation of Tehillim, praying for peace and protection for the people of Israel.
A beautiful song dedicated to the shluchim and the theme of the night of Lech Lecha was composed by songwriter and singer Shmuel Marcus which he sang together with Eli Marcus and young shliach from Aventura, Florida, Zalman Rosenfeld.
The annual ceremony highlighting Chabad’s international reach took on a new multilingual twist as Shluchim representing different regions were welcomed in their local tongue:
Rabbi Leibel Fajnland of Chabad of Reston and Herndon, Virginia, welcomed the Shluchim in English. Rabbi Shmuel Bistritzky of Chabad of Savyon, Israel, addressed the crowd in Hebrew. Rabbi Yoel Migdal of Chabad on Campus in Buenos Aires, Argentina, spoke in Spanish. Rabbi Mendy Mottal of Beit Lubavitch Sèvres Centre in Paris, France, delivered his greeting in French. Rabbi Zalman Lent of Chabad of Ireland greeted the audience in Gaelic, announcing new initiatives in Dublin aimed at young professionals and college students.
Each Shliach shared updates on their outreach efforts, emphasizing the collective impact of Chabad’s global network. The iconic roll call served as a testament to the movement’s expansive reach, touching lives in communities large and small across the globe.
Attendees also heard from Rabbi Osher Deren of Chabad of the West Coast in Cape Town, South Africa, who delivered profound Torah insights.
Rabbi Yehuda Krinsky, chairman of Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch, addressed the gathering via video message. He expressed deep sorrow over Rabbi Kogan’s passing and offered heartfelt condolences to his family and the entire Shluchim community.
Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi Kalman Ber, addressed the crowd, reiterating support for the Shluchim’s mission and emphasizing the collective responsibility to fill the void left by Rabbi Kogan’s passing. “We are now all shluchim,” he declared.
A special video presentation featured Dr. Brian Levin, a urologist from Maryland, who shared his journey of reconnecting with Judaism through Chabad. Inspired by his local Shliach, Rabbi Nochum Katsenelenbogen of Chabad of Owings Mills, Maryland, Dr. Levin began incorporating mitzvot into his daily routine and even encouraged his patients to do the same.
“Each of us has the potential to impact our surroundings,” Dr. Levin reflected. “By wearing my kippah at work, I realized I could inspire others and bring more kindness into the world.”
As the evening drew to a close, the atmosphere was charged with emotion. Music filled the room as the Shluchim danced joyously. The attendees departed with a renewed commitment to return to their communities and make an even greater impact. The message was clear: despite ongoing challenges, the dedication to reach every Jew, everywhere, remains unshaken.
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