Mayor De Blasio Honors the Rebbe

By COLlive reporter

Mayor of New York City Bill de Blasio is one of the first elected officials this year to pay tribute to the Rebbe on his 114th birthday which will take place this coming Tuesday.

A proclamation released to COLlive.com announces “114 Days of Education in Honor of the Rebbe” from April 19, 2016 to August 10, 2016 in the Big Apple, home to a large and thriving Jewish Community.

“The Chabad-Lubavitch Movement and its network of community organizations have long united people in their faith, and guided by the teachings, leadership and legacy of Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, it continues to be a source of strength for many in our city and far beyond,” the Mayor wrote.

He cited the “indelible mark” Chabad had on all 5 boroughs of the city since arriving in 1940 from the war-torn Europe and selecting 770 Eastern Parkway in Crown Heights as the basin of Lubavitch World Headquarters.

“With a mission to educate and unite Jewish New Yorkers, Chabad-Lubavitch centers established by Rabbi Schneerson have built solid foundations for people to grow in fellowship with one another,” de Blasio said.

“The spiritual family that Chabad and the Rebbe have created continues to connect the Jewish community worldwide and empower new generations to honor their faith and heritage,” the proclamation wrote.

“Throughout his life, the Lubavitcher Rebbe emphasized the critical importance of education and its incredible power to make a positive impact on our world,” he wrote. “His vision helped shape Chabad and its mission to provide learning programs for children, youth and adults that also inspire a lifelong passion for the jewish teaching and values that continue to make our city a better place.”

Rabbi Shmuel Butman, Director of Lubavitch Youth Organization, thanked the Mayor for extending the honor. “The Rebbe attributed great importance to Proclamations,” he commented.

In the past, the Rebbe wrote in a letter to a mayor who honored the Rebbe: “I sincerely appreciate your thoughtfulness in designating this Education Day in my honor. I trust that your action will stimulate greater awareness of the vital importance of education.”

The Rebbe’s birthday on the 11th of Nissan is also annual declared as Education and Sharing Day, USA.