Manchester’s Tent for Israel

Photos by Lawrence Purcell

As hundreds of Israel supporters converged on Manchester’s “Big Tent for Israel,” Chabad was on hand to offer participants the opportunity to do a Mitzvah.

The Chabad booth, manned by L’Chaim-Chabad Rabbis and volunteers, helped many put on Tefillin or do other Mitzvos to merit the land and people of Israel.

Organizers of the Big Tent for Israel, a conference in England aimed at furthering support and advocacy for Israel, asked L’Chaim to help delegates show support for Israel through performing Mitzvos.

“The booth was a fantastic opportunity,” said Rabbi Yisroel Cohen, Director of L’Chaim. “The Lubavitcher Rebbe often spoke of the power of Tefillin and other Mitzvos to affect the security of the soldiers and people of Israel.”

Specially designed “Israel needs Your Mitzvah” postcards, along with Shabbat Candle kits, brochures and information regarding various Mitzvah campaigns, were distributed throughout the day.

Focus was also given to a myriad of Chabad programs and services in Israel, giving visitors a glimpse into Chabad’s activities in the Holy Land.

Video presentations featuring many of the Rebbe’s views and teachings about Israel, such as Peace upon the Land, Faithful and Fortified, the Rebbe and the Holy Land, and more were distributed.

Conference delegates were greatly appreciative of Chabad’s efforts, stopping by regularly to hear words of Torah. “We received a tremendous response,” said Rabbi Moshe Cohen, who directed operations. “People were very excited to see us, and eager to lend their support to Israel by way of a good deed.”

The booth was made possible thanks to the dedication and commitment of many L’Chaim volunteers, including Mr. Gershon Glickman, Rabbi Michoel Rose and Rabbi Yehudah Schochet.

“It was a wonderful experience. It was inspiring to meet so many people dedicated to the cause of Israel, and I was honored to be a part of it,” said volunteer Mr. Russel Conn.