Shluchim Mark 50 to ‘Revolution’

By COLlive reporter
Photos by Morde’hai Lubecki

Tens of Chabad Shluchim gathered at the 19th Annual Kinus Hashluchim of Greater Paris in France on Iyar 2.

The gathering marked 50 years since the founding of Beth Loubavitch, the first Chabad center in the city, by Rabbi Shmuel and Bassie Azimov, of blessed memory.

The Azimovs spearheaded what become to be known as the “French Lubavitch revolution,” bringing thousands of Jews closer to their heritage and establishing over 70 Chabad centers, schools and institutions.

Participants of the Kinus, led by the brothers Rabbi Mendel and Levi Azimov, spend the time together davening, learning, discussing and strengthening their resolve to continue their Shlichus.

A booklet given at the conference included a little about the history of Chabad in Paris and a few references from the Rebbe to the growing activities there.

A mere week after arriving in Paris, on 9 Iyar 5728, Rabbi Azimov wrote a letter to the Rebbe. The letter ended up being delivered to 770 Eastern Parkway only after a few weeks.

In a handwritten note on the response letter, the Rebbe points out that the letter has arrived surprisingly late “because of the strike?” referring to the street revolution that began that time.

Another document is a press release in English that reported how “300 members of the Lubavitch Youth Organization” gathered to mark the organization’s 13th year.

“The gathering also bade farewell to Rabbi and Mrs. Zyslin who were leaving for France to assume positions in Lubavitcher institutions there,” the notice read.

“Rabbi Shmuel Zyslin studied at the Lubavitcher Yeshivos in Paris and New York, and his wife, Basia, is an active member of the Lubavitcher Women’s Organization.”

In case you wondered, Rabbi Shmuel Zyslin was the name of Rabbi Shmuel Azimov. The results of his and his wife’s dedicated work was clearly evident at the Kinus this year.