Dozens of Shluchim from across Australia and New Zealand gathered at Chabad of Bondi on Tuesday, Rosh Chodesh Adar 5786, for a historic Regional Kinus Hashluchim.

The gathering was particularly emotional, coming just two months after the devastating terror attack at a Bondi Beach Chanukah event, which claimed 15 lives, including two beloved colleagues and fellow Shluchim, Rabbi Eli Schlanger HYD and Rabbi Yaakov Levitan HYD.

The Kinus fulfilled the vision of Rabbi Schlanger, who had worked tirelessly to unite his fellow Shluchim. In his honor, the program focused on the theme “From Pain to Purpose,” highlighting the transformation of profound grief into renewed dedication to Shlichus.

Over the course of the two-day convention, participants engaged in intensive sessions and collaborative workshops designed to strengthen the impact of their Shlichus. Guided by moderators such as Rabbi Chanoch Sufrin and Rabbi Menachem Aron, the Shluchim developed concrete plans for their local communities and shared personal commitments to enhance their own activities.

Round-table discussions covered key areas including Comfort and Emotional Support, youth programming, and organizational management.

The highlight of the convention was the tahalucha to Bondi Beach, where the large group gathered at the site of the tragic attack, near the now-infamous bridge, to recite Tehillim for the victims and for the success of all Shluchim.

There were no speeches or explanations – Shluchim simply stood together and supported one another. They began with the slow, emotional niggun of Reb Michel Zlotchetver, followed by a heartfelt Ani Maamin.

From there, they shifted to the upbeat Niggun of Rosh Chodesh Kislev, as the shluchim joyously danced and resolved to continue the Rebbe’s Shlichus with renewed joy and energy.

The Shluchim also visited the Mitzvah Center – the on-site Chabad house set up after the attack in memory of the fallen Shluchim – and many took the opportunity to wrap tefillin with passersby and offer encouragement.

The Gala Banquet was masterfully led by MC Rabbi Eli Feldman. Sydney Head Shliach Rabbi Pinchus Feldman OAM adressed the crowd, followed by powerful speeches from Rabbi Joseph Gutnick of Melbourne, and Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky of Merkos 302, alongside guest speaker Larry Diamond, founder of Zip Co.

These speakers and the accompanying sessions focused heavily on the primary and ultimate Shlichus of the Shluchim, preparing the world for Moshiach through each of their individual activities.

One especially emotional moment at the Kinus occurred when Rabbi Chanoch Sufrin presented a gift to a visibly moved Rabbi Ulman on behalf of all the Shluchim in Australia, who are deeply indebted to him for his decades of guidance.

The gift was a painting of Rabbi Ulman together with his beloved son-in-law, Rabbi Eli Schlanger, created by the world-renowned artist Mrs. Miriam Lang. Rabbi Ulman, visibly moved, embraced Rabbi Sufrin and expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Shluchim for their support and courage during these turbulent times.

Special thanks are extended to all those who made this vital Kinus possible, including Rabbi Pinchus Feldman OAM, Rabbi Chaim Tzvi Groner, Rabbi Joseph Gutnick, Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch, and Chabad of Bondi.

The Shluchim returned to their communities fortified by a deep sense of Achdus and strengthened resolve, ready to illuminate the darkness with even greater light and continue their sacred work with renewed Koach.

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