Based on a past instruction of the Rebbe: Chabad Shluchim in Israel were told it would be best if they stayed put instead of traveling to New York for the annual International Kinus Hashluchim. Full Story
By COLlive reporter
Please welcome the Shluchim to Eretz Yisroel… who are currently in Eretz Yisroel.
Tzeirei Agudas Chabad of Israel, the Lubavitch Youth Organization known as “Tzach” which oversees Chabad centers in the Holy Land, issued a travel recommendation for Shluchim.
They wrote that because of the current war against neighboring Arab enemies, there is uncertainty about “what may develop in the coming days and weeks, and there isn’t one who can give a clear answer.”
Therefore, they recommended that Shluchim don’t travel to New York to attend the International Kinus Hashluchim, the annual gathering that brings together 5,000 Chabad rabbis for discussions, study and celebration.
The Kinus is set to begin in Brooklyn on Wednesday, Cheshvan 24 – November 8 and will conclude with the gala banquet in New Jersey on Sunday.
“It is more correct for all Shluchim to remain in their Shlichus location, to continue in their ongoing and unique operations and be available and supportive of their communities and members, as well as remain close to their families,” wrote Rabbi Naftali Lipsker of Tzach.
In the past, when Israel was at war, Rabbi Yechezkel Soffer asked the Rebbe about leaving the country to a lecture tour. The Rebbe’s response was: “The time isn’t right to leave from the Holy Land.”
Rabbi Lipsker added that the images of hundreds of Shluchim leaving the country would send a negative message, as opposed to all those who are boarding flights to Israel to enlist, volunteer and show support.
He said that in consultation with Merkos L’inyonei Chinuch, organizer of the Kinus in New York, a parallel gathering will be held in Israel. It will be held on Sunday at the same time as the banquet in New York.
