Shluchim Present Menorah to President of Zambia

The Rebbe’s Shluchim to Zambia Rabbi Mendy and Rivky Hertzel, who founded Chabad of Zambia three years ago, met with the President of the country when he went on a trip to Israel in September 2023 and visited President Herzog.

At the meeting in Israel, President Herzog introduced Rabbi Hertzel to the President of Zambia, explaining to him the role of Shluchim in the world representing Yiddishkeit and the Jewish people everywhere.

His Excellency, Dr. Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia, was fascinated and inspired by this, and said that he would like to invite the shliach to formally visit him in the State House.

Last week, Rabbi Mendy and Rivky were invited to the State House, and presented the President with a Menorah, sharing with him the message of the Menorah as the most ancient symbol of the Jewish people, since the ultimate message of Judaism is that every human being is an ambassador of light to illuminate the deepest darkness of the world. The Shluchim thanked him and blessed him that Zambia should continue to be an island of peace and security, and a role model of light and morality for the entire continent.

Present at the meeting was the delegation of the Israeli Embassy and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, who came to Zambia to open the first Israeli Embassy since 1973, reestablishing friendly ties between Israel and Zambia.

The President was very appreciative of the gift and the Shliach’s blessing, and they parted warmly.

Foreign Minister Gideon Saar thanked the Shluchim for joining their visit and for all the work they do for Jews in Zambia, and shortly after visited the US, his trip culminating with the highlight of visiting the Rebbe’s Ohel accompanied by Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, praying for the hostages and for peace and security in Israel.