This past Sunday, the International Observatory of Human Rights paid tribute to the memory of Harav Baruch Portugali, the great-grandfather of the Alter Rebbe, in a ceremony that coincided with the 250th anniversary of the official founding of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement.

Harav Baruch Portugali, also known as Reb Baruch Batlan, was a distinguished descendant of Portuguese exiles (as reflected in his surname) and the father of Rebbetzin Rachel, the grandmother of the Alter Rebbe. A devoted disciple of Reb Yoel Baal Shem of Zamoshch, Reb Baruch served as a leader of Reb Yoel’s chassidim in Pozna, earning renown for his scholarship, piety, and leadership.

The tribute placed Reb Baruch among the great guardians of Jewish tradition, underscoring the resilience of Portuguese Jewry and the global reach of Chabad, now spanning six continents and more than 100 countries.

The commemorative event was held at the B’nai B’rith Portugal headquarters and drew over 100 members of Portugal’s Jewish community. The tribute was presented by Luís Andrade, President of the International Observatory of Human Rights, to Rabbi Eli Rosenfeld, Director of Chabad Portugal.

“It is a deep honor to participate in this tribute in honor of Rabbi Baruch Portugali,” Rabbi Rosenfeld said. “His memory connects generations, and his enduring influence reminds us that even through exile and hardship, the light of Torah and mitzvos can shine across centuries.”

Speakers highlighted Chabad’s multinational character and its deep Iberian Sephardic roots. David Garrett of the Oporto Community pointed to notable descendants of Sephardic Jews – including Harav Portugali, Harav Yosef Karo, and the Baal Shem Tov.

Isaac Assor of the Lisbon Community emphasized the connection between Portuguese Jewry and the United States, recalling Chaim Solomon – a Portuguese Jew who became a principal financier of the American Revolution – and noting that Chabad’s role in U.S. society is formally recognized each year on Education and Sharing Day, commemorating the Rebbe’s birthday.

“This ceremony honoring Rabbi Baruch Portugali helps us to keep the connection with the past alive, respecting those who have contributed significantly to the world,” said Ido Itshayek of the Algarve Community.

Notably, this is not the first time the International Observatory of Human Rights has highlighted Chabad’s historic legacy. Two years ago, the organization honored the Rebbe himself in a commemorative ceremony, underscoring the impact of the Rebbe’s leadership on Jewish life and humanity worldwide.