Chassidishe dancing unfolded on the streets of Lagos, Nigeria, as the Chabad House hosted a delegation of Shluchim and guests for a Siyum Sefer Torah donated by three Lubavitcher bochurim.
Chassidishe dancing unfolded on the streets of Lagos, Nigeria, as the Chabad House hosted a delegation of Shluchim and guests for a Siyum Sefer Torah donated by three Lubavitcher bochurim.
The event marked the culmination of a year-long initiative that began with a visit by the volunteering bochurim to uplift small Jewish communities in Nigeria.
3 young French Lubavitcher bochurim Levi Scholte, Levi Hababou, and Yossef Porhel, all 24 years old, volunteered to bring the simcha of Purim to Jewish people living and working in rural Nigeria. Their efforts were met with positive feedback from the communities, prompting Rabbi Mendy and Mazal Sternbach, the Shluchim to Lagos, to invite the volunteers for an extended stay.
Just before their flight, the bochurim decided to do something big for Nigeria and donate a Sefer Torah. Right then and there, they made a L’chaim, and the deal was done.
The grand event began with an elegant cocktail and writing of the last letters in the Chabad house, followed by a public procession through the streets of Lagos. The tahalucha through the streets of Victoria Island was secured by Nigerian commandos, the red berets, trained and directed by ex-IDF soldiers.
A gala dinner was subsequently held at the Nigerian Air Force base, facilitated by Nigerian Admiral Kenneth Ati-John.
A unique aspect of the ceremony involved participants “adopting” a hostage by committing to perform mitzvot on their behalf until their release.
During the event, Mr. Aviv Hanien, CEO of Agrited Nigeria LTD, remarked, “What Chabad gives us is worth gold! We thank you for what you bring to our homes, our offices, and our hearts. “
The ceremony underscored the dedication of the three bochurim and the Chabad Shluchim in fostering a strong Jewish community in Nigeria. The attendance of prominent figures, including the Head Shliach of Central Africa, Rabbi Shlomo Bentolila, Rabbi Yisroel and Chaya Uzan, Shluchim to Abuja, Nigeria, and Shluchim from neighboring countries, further amplified the event’s significance
Hakafos were led in authentic Moroccan tunes by Rabbi Leizer Avtzon.
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