By COLlive reporter
Photos: Mendy Krief, Shneur Haviv
The International Conference Center in Jerusalem hosted a rare event on Sunday: the gala banquet of the Kinus Hashluchim – Israel location.
The festive evening is held at annually in the New York area marking the conclusion of the International Kinus Hashluchim, which brings together 5,000 Chabad rabbis from around the world.
This year, due to the war Israel is fighting against its errors, many Israeli Shluchim opted to remain home to be close to their families and communities and continue serving those who depend on them.
Among them, noticeable during the Kinus and banquet in Jerusalem, were Shluchim who serve as reservists in the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) and are now filling various roles on the home front.
The banquet in Jerusalem was organized by Tzeirei Agudas Chabad (Tzach) in Israel, chaired by Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Aharonov, and participating were 1,000 Shluchim who direct Chabad centers and institutions around the country.
Their program linked up with the international banquet held in Edison, New Jersey, sharing similar imagery and seamlessly transitioning from one event to the other over large screens in each ballroom.
The Shluchim’s work was thanked by Israel’s Chief Rabbi Dovid Lau, Sderot Mayor Alon Davidi, soldiers and other officials during the evening. Tehillim was recited and prayers were dedicated to the injured and the freedom of the hostages.
From the banquet in New Jersey, they heard the spirited speech by Avremi Pizem, the 9 year old son and grandson of the Shluchim in the bombarded city of Sderot near Gaza.
The banquet included a roll call, naming the location of each Shliach and a joyous dance.
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