By COLlive reporter
In the midst of coalition talks to form his new government following Israel’s national elections, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took time off on Monday to say Mazal Tov to a few special boys.
The group of 13-year-old orphans who met him at his office in Jerusalem are celebrating their Bar Mitzvah with the generous help of Colel Chabad, the oldest continuously operating charity in the Holy land.
Colel Chabad was created by Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, the founder of Chabad Lubavitch, in 1788. Under the aegis of each succeeding Rebbe, Colel Chabad has been providing vital social welfare services to Israel’s neediest since then.
Walking into the cabinet room, Netanyahu extended his hand to each of the boys present and to Colel Chabad’s Director Rabbi Sholom Duchman, his coordinator Rabbi Mendy Blau, philanthropist Rabbi Yitzchok Michaan and activist Zalman Wolff.
“I am excited about your simcha,” Netanayahu told them before they continued to celebrate their coming of age at the Kotel and receive a gift of a new pair of Tefillin and be called up to the Torah.
“It is an important moment to reach,” the Prime Minister said. “It has meaning not only in your personal life, but also in the national life of our people, an ancient nation that keeps this tradition.”
Netanyahu, who has been deeply inspired by the Rebbe, added that the celebration “also characterizes the Chabad movement which wants to include all of our people in the love for the Torah of Israel and the love of Eretz Israel.”
He noted that “these are real things and you give it expression in practice, and I am sure that each of you will give it expression in his life. I would like to bless you with good life, a lot of joy, a lot of creativity and a lot of success, each and every one of you. ”
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Excellent speech! Iwonder why Bibi didn, t don a kipa for the occasion. But it was VERY kind of him to give honor to these orphans.
Beautiful! From both sides!
Kolel chabad and mr Netayahu!
Mazal Tov, Moshiach now
Colel chabad is doing beautiful work for children and families in Israel! Looking at the happy faces of these young pure children is incredible.