Rabbi Zalman Zvulonov and Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Wolowik, Shluchim to the Bukharian community of Queens and directors of the Ohr Avner institutions, are pleased to report a successful educational year, and also a recent month filled with activity, including a long list of dignitaries who visited the institutions.
One special visitor was Rabbi Meir Porush, Minister of Jerusalem Affairs and Jewish Heritage, the “Shlomei Emunim” representative within the Agudas Yisrael and the chairman of Agudas Yisrael in Yerushalayim.
He commenced his visit with Shacharis at the magnificent Bukharian shul in the heart of Queens, and also delivered an eloquent Torah class to the attendees. Subsequently, he graced a festive breakfast in his honor, attended by the local rabbis and community leaders, as well as Rabbi Peretz Steinberg, the eminent Av Beis Din of Queens, who—despite his advanced age—also attended the event.
Later on, the minister was given a comprehensive tour of the various institutions that educate nearly a thousand boys and girls—the preschools and day care centers, the JIQ elementary school, the boys’ high school, the ‘Or Chana’ girls’ high school, the ‘Lamplighters’ school for special education, Ganenu Academy, and the daily Hebrew School centers for public school youth. These flourishing institutions were established with the patronage of philanthropist Mr. Lev Leviev, the President of the Worldwide Bukharian Jewish Congress.
At the Yeshiva Ketana, where the Minister encountered dozens of devoted students, he delivered a deep shiur, and shared his experiences from his tenure as Deputy Minister of Education and his efforts to support and expand the Chabad educational institutions and yeshivos in the Holy Land.
He closed the day with a meaningful visit to the Ohel, in anticipation of Gimmel Tammuz. After preparing himself in the adjacent tents, he entered the Ohel and poured out his heart in prayer. Afterwards, he visited the gravesite of the Rebbe’s secretary, Rabbi Binyamin Klein, with whom he shared a close friendship, and the other secretaries as well.
Another visitor was Mrs. Galit Distel Atbaryan, Israel’s Minister of Public Diplomacy. She specifically chose to begin her visit at the Rebbe’s Ohel, noting that it was her first time setting foot in the sacred space. She was accompanied by Mr. Gavriel Sofiev and his wife Mrs. Chagit, the daughter of Mr. Lev Leviev.
After being guided in her preparations for the Ohel, she reverentially entered the Ohel and spent almost an hour in prayer, praying for success in her personal endeavors and in her public role, and especially for guidance and effectiveness in representing the People of Israel, the Land of Israel, and the Torah of Israel to the global community. Later, she visited the burial spots of the Rebbetzins, and recited a brief prayer at the gravesite of Rebbetzin Chana and Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka.
During the tour of the educational institutions which followed, she emphasized to the children that they were the best ambassadors of the Jewish people to the entire world, being the future generation entrusted with preserving the Jewish people’s heritage and created a kiddush hashem wherever they found themselves.
At the conclusion of the visit, a festive dinner was attended by lay leaders of the community. During her heartfelt speech, she announced her plans to direct the ministry staff to collaborate in representing the Rebbe’s teachings, such as the importance of recognizing the Jewish people’s rightful connection to the Land of Israel. She also expressed her strong dedication to working closely with the Rebbe’s Shulchim in campuses and universities, who are on the forefront of advocacy, where they tirelessly combat assimilation and protect the future of the Jewish people.
Another visitor was Mr. Avi Cohen-Scali, the director of the Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism. He was visibly impressed during his visit to the various institutions, and listened closely to the reports from the educators and administrators about the stellar education provided to the boys and girls in their schools and their efforts to strengthen Jewish identity and pride, as well as the challenges faced by the youth today, both in general society or academic institutions.
Minister of Labor, Rabbi Yoav Ben-Zur of the Shas party also began his visit by entering the Rebbe’s Ohel, noting that this is how he begins every visit to American soil.
After Mincha at the Yeshivah, he captured the students attention sharing fascinatnig halachic teachings and anecdotes. He also toured the new building currently under construction to accommodate the many students eagerly awaiting to be accepted in the highly reputably Yeshivah.
The Minister was impressed to hear about the upcoming “Gan Yisrael — Ohr Avner” summer program, where thousands of children will participate in educational and experiential activities at various center, enjoying trips and engaging with Jewish heritage in a fun and meaninful way.
Another important encounter was a meeting with Mr. Yaakov Hagoel, Chairman of the Executive of the World Zionist Organization, to discuss possible areas of collaboration for the benefit of the future generations, and discussing the work of the Shluchim who pioneer and spread Judaism in every corner of the world.
