By COLlive reporter
The President of the State of Israel Isaac Herzog paid a state visit to Ukraine where he met with his Ukrainian counterpart Vladimir Zlansky and attending the commemorative events marking the 80th anniversary of the Babi Yar massacre of Kiev’s Jews during the Holocaust in 1941.
“Commemoration and remembrance are vital for the whole of humanity, against evil, cruelty, and apathy,” Herzog said in his remarks on Wednesday. Germany’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier attended as well.
During a reception earlier in the day, President Herzog was personally welcomed by Chabad Shluchim in Ukraine during a reception organized by the JNF Ukraine.
In attendance were Kiev’s Chief Rabbi Yonathan Markovitch and his son Rabbi Ariel Markovitch, Rabbi Meir Stambler and Rabbi Raphael Rotman of the Federation of Jewish Communities in Ukraine, Kharkov’s Chief Rabbi Moshe Moskovich, Rabbi Moshe Azman of Kiev and activist Rabbi Levi Edrei.
Speaking with Rabbi Markovich, Herzog recalled an unforgettable moment in his life at Lubavitch Headquarters – 770 Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn, NY. His father Chaim Herzog was serving as Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations and came to 770 to participate in Simchas Torah celebrations with the Rebbe.
“I was with the Rebbe at Simchat Torah and I will not forget this defining moment,” President Herzog said. “I remember that the Rebbe brought me to hold his Torah scroll and even greeted me with excitement.
The president added to Rabbi Markovitch: “To this day, this moment follows me, especially when I see the tremendous work of Chabad in the world and specifically here in Kiev and Ukraine where we are now.”
Israel’s Ambassador to Ukraine Michael Brodsky, Israeli Minister Zeev Elkin, Acting Chairman of the Jewish Agency Yaakov Hagoel, Israel’s Honorary Consul to Ukraine Oleg Vishnyakov, Chairman of the Israel-Ukraine Parliamentary Committee Aaron Frenkel and other guests participated.
A day earlier, the President’s entourage visited the Jewish community institutions in Kiev led by Rabbi Markovitch. They were particularly moved by the “Child with a Future” kindergarten which serves for children with special needs – the one of its kind in the country.
Hagoel, Chairman of the Jewish Agency, commented: “I was thrilled and excited to see what Rabbi Markovich did. One of the tasks that I have set for myself is to help people with disabilities immigrate to Israel and integrate into public life and work in Israel. I believe that we will unite in solving this extremely important task.”
