At the 80th-anniversary commemoration of the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp liberation, shliach Rabbi Raphael Rutman participated with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, German President, Britain’s Chief Rabbi, London’s Mayor, and former Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau.
In a significant diplomatic and religious gesture, Rabbi Raphael Rutman participated in the 80th anniversary commemoration of the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp liberation alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the official Ukrainian delegation.
Rabbi Rutman, who serves as Vice Chairman of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine (FJCU) and is a prominent rabbi in Kyiv, traveled with the presidential delegation via an armored overnight train from Ukraine to Krakow in southern Poland, reflecting the ongoing security measures necessitated by the current conflict.
The international ceremony drew global leaders and dignitaries. During the events, Rabbi Rutman engaged with several prominent figures, including the German President, Britain’s Chief Rabbi, and London’s Mayor. A particularly meaningful encounter occurred with Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau, a Holocaust survivor and former Chief Rabbi of Israel.
In a notable display of religious observance at the historic site, Rabbi Rutman took the opportunity to conduct a tefillin campaign, helping Jewish members of various national delegations fulfill the mitzvah by assisting them in putting on tefillin.
Discussion
We appreciate your feedback. If you have any additional information to contribute to this article, it will be added below.