This year marked a double Simcha for The Chabad of Melbourne CBD and its Shliach Rabbi Chaim Herzog.
A double celebration took place at the Melbourne Town Hall to mark the holiday of Purim and their 20th Anniversary.
“Chabad of Melbourne started 20 years ago on Purim at a luncheon with well known speakers addressing the audience, just as we are doing today,” said Mr. David Southwick, MP Member for Caulfield, and introduced Mayor Sally Capp, who is the first female Lord Mayor in recent memory.
The Honourable Lord Mayor made promises to the people of the city to make Melbourne a safe, prosperous, and well thought out city that rises to the challenge of rapid growth.
These ideas were generated and influenced by every day Melburnians, the Mayor said, noting that she spoke to many individuals and organizations as she moved around the city campaigning.
“From safety to homelessness to reorganizing the Queen Victoria Market, the people of Melbourne contributed so many ideas that were similar to my own thinking – or got me thinking in new and creative ways,” the Mayor said.
The Mayor thanked the Organization and its Director Rabbi Chaim Herzog for the invitation to join this year’s Purim celebrations, which are celebrating a special and happy Jewish festival, and said that she was delighted to share in it.
The Mayor also remarked that Chabad CBD plays an invaluable role for the Jewish community, offering a range of services to people living and working in the city and beyond.