1,000th Shliach to Eretz Yisroel Announced at Kinus

The annual Kinus Hashluchim for shluchim in Eretz Yisroel took place this past week, dedicated to the memory of the victims of the Meron tragedy. A special moment at the kinus was the appointment of the 1,000th shliach to the Holy Land.

By Anash.org reporter
Photos: Yechezkel Itkin

The Kinus opened on Monday with an address by Rabbi Yosef Halperin, shliach to Meron. Coming just days after the tragic incident in Meron where 45 men and boys lost their life, Rabbi Halperin spoke with great pain about the tragedy. He encouraged all the shluchim to increase in Ahavas Yisroel in response to the shocking event.

Also speaking at the opening session was Rabbi Asi Spiegel of Tzfas, who delivers Chassidus shiurim in the Rashbi’s tziyon throughout the entire year.

The day continued with workshops and panels, discussing challenges and approaches to shlichus. A number of farbrengens with mashpi’im and elderly chassidim concluded the packed day.

On the second day of the Kinus, the shluchim gathered for the annual shluchim photo. Hundreds of shluchim stood together, showcasing the incredible reach of Chabad in the Holy Land.

Following the picture came the central panel, with the participation of the senior Chabad rabbonim in Eretz Yisroel. During the panel the shluchim were treated to a special surprise: A new shliach was announced, bringing the number of shluchim in Eretz Yisroel to 1,000!

The appointment of the new shliach, Rabbi Mendy Sukenik, was announced by the members of the Beis Din Rabbonei Chabad, and he was warmly welcomed by the hundreds of shluchim gathered in the room. Rabbi Sukenik will be the shliach of the Ohr Yam neighborhood in the city of Ohr Akiva.

The Kinus continued with workshops, meals, and lectures, concluding with a number of farbrengens that continued late into the night.