By COLlive reporter
Rabbi Chaim Danzinger participated in the official day of mourning to honor the victims of Flight 981, a passenger jet which crashed during a landing attempt at the Rostov-on-Don airport on March 19.
After circling the southern Russian airport for more than two hours because of high ground-level winds and poor visibility, the FlyDubai Boeing 737 crashed, killing all 62 people aboard.
Rabbi Danzinger, Chief Rabbi of Rostov and a Chabad Shliach, arrived at the memorial site at the airport and recited chapters of Tehilim in memory of the deceased.
“Throughout the night and all of today, people gathered at the airport, bringing flowers, stuffed animals and candles in memory of the victims,” he said. “Everyone found their own way to express their sorrow and sympathy…”
A few days later, his community had planned on marking the holiday of Purim. “It was challenging to immediately dive into the exuberant Purim celebrations that Rostov is known for,” the rabbi told COLlive.com.
Nevertheless, Rostov’s Jewish community responded to this tragedy by increasing in the Purim joy, coming together in celebration.
A Japanese themed Purim party was held at the synagogue with a musical production performed by the Or Avner Jewish Day school and fun activities for kids and adults.
There were multiple megillah readings and Purim parties for students, youth, and the elderly throughout the 24 hours of the holiday.
The happiness and joy of Purim was brought to those who are housebound, with delivery of Shalach Manos to those who are needy, making a most meaningful and enjoyable Purim for all in Rostov.
yasher koiach!