By COLlive reporter
Chabad Shluchim of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) recently set out on a short but powerful trip to Almaty, Kazakhstan, home of the Ohel of Harav Levi Yitzchok Schneerson, the renowned gaon and mekubal who was the father of the Rebbe.
The group was led by UAE Chief Rabbi Levi Duchman, and included Rabbi Mendel Duchman, Rabbi of the international community in Dubai; Rabbi Mendy Blau, project manager of Chabad UAE; Rabbi Tzemach Gansbourg, Rabbi of the French-speaking community and Business Bay in Dubai; Rabbi Yehuda Marsow, Rabbi of the Jewish community in Abu Dhabi; Rabbi Mendel Stolik, Rabbi of Chabad Marina and Young Jewish Professionals (YJP) in the UAE; Rabbi Shimon Frankel, Head of the Emirates Agency for Kosher Certification (EAKC).
They were joined by several community members, as well as the Chabad bochurim Levi Blau and Binyamin Sobol, directors of activities for the Israeli community in Dubai.
“It wasn’t planned far in advance,” one of them told COLlive.com, “but sometimes, the most meaningful journeys happen that way.”
As soon as they landed, they headed straight to the Chabad House where they met the local Shluchim Rabbi Elchanan Cohen and his son-in-law, Rabbi Yossi Glitzenstein. They welcomed the guests with true Chassidishe warmth.
That evening, they gathered for what was supposed to be a simple dinner—but, as always, when Shluchim sit together, it becomes much more. Stories, Torah, laughter, and inspiration flowed, turning the meal into a full-fledged farbrengen. One of them said the energy in the room was something special—a deep sense of mission, brotherhood, and shared purpose.
After visiting the mikveh, they made their way to the Ohel of the Rebbe’s father in the historic Jewish cemetery. In addition to his knowledge in Torah, Harav Levi Yitzchok was known for his fearless leadership in the face of opposition. The UAE Shluchim channeled that as they have undergone the brutal murder of fellow UAE Shliach Rabbi Zvi Kogan HY”D.
Standing together in the quiet of the night, they davened for their families, their communities, and the success of their Shlichus. “No speeches were needed—just heartfelt tefillos, each word carrying the weight of responsibility and devotion,” Rabbi Mendy Blau commented.
Hours later, as they boarded their flight back to Dubai, an unexpected moment added the perfect final touch. The pilot turned out to be none other than David, a longtime community member.
“It was the kind of small but striking detail that reminds you—wherever you go, Yidden are never far from one another,” Rabbi Blau said.
VIDEO
Chabad UAE is looking for new couples to join their team of Shluchim: https://form.jotform.com/250443278790058
