New Center Inaugurated in Angola

Photos: Israel Bardugo

The first synagogue and Chabad Center in the city of Luanda, Angola was inaugurated at an impressive series of events attended by hundreds of community members.

In addition, a new Sefer Torah was completed to be used by Chabad Center of Angola, directed by Shluchim Levi Yitzchok and Devorah Leah Chekly.

Luanda, the capital of Angola, is Africa’s second largest oil producer.

Angola’s Jews are a diverse bunch comprising of Israelis, Europeans and Americans. Angola has been a center of conflict for decades, but in recent years has seen a massive boom in construction in Luanda, where stability has attracted numerous foreign companies to invest in offices in the city.

Hundreds gathered at the plaza of the building used by the Chabad House for the historic ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event was attended by public figures and officials and the Mezuzah was placed by respected businessmen Mr. Jacob Karako, Mr. Uriel Mansour, Mr. Eliezer Benjamin and Mr. Chaim Taib.

Head Shliach to Central Africa, Rabbi Shlomo Bentolila, spoke at the event about the importance of reaching every Jew on the African continent, and announced the opening of additional Chabad Houses in Africa in the near future.

Later, an equally historic event introduced a new Torah scroll to the Chabad House by philanthropist Mr. Jacob Karako in memory of all those who perished in the Holocaust HY”D.

The final letters in the Torah, written by Sofer Rabbi Dovid Cohen of Montreal, were written and a festive meal was held at a luxury hotel.