The Israeli Knesset has given preliminary approval to a bill, initiated by MK Amichai Eliyahu of the Otzma Yehudit party proposing the creation of a national heritage center dedicated to the Rebbe. “The Rebbe’s shluchim don’t ask whether you are religious, or if you align politically with the right or the left. They’re simply there for you,” Eliyahu said.
By Anash.org reporter
On Wednesday, the Knesset unanimously approved a bill proposing the establishment of a heritage center honoring the Rebbe. The proposal, initiated by MK Amichai Eliyahu of the Otzma Yehudit party, received the support of 23 MKs with no opposition or abstentions and will now move to the relevant committees for final approval.
The center, overseen by a 13-member public council, will include an institute, archive, and museum and will honor the Rebbe’s impact, highlighting the Rebbe’s efforts to unite Israeli society through a deep love for the Jewish people, Torah, and Eretz Yisroel. It will be funded by government support and private donations, with the Minister of Heritage overseeing its implementation.
“Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, was the seventh leader of the Chabad movement and one of the most influential Jewish figures in history”, the explanatory notes accompanying the bill reads. “His impact extended far beyond the Chassidic community, reaching Jews and non-Jews around the world. Under the Rebbe’s leadership, Chabad grew into a global network spanning over 100 countries, forming the foundation of Jewish communal life worldwide. He was a pioneer in integrating Judaism with modern science, promoted universal Jewish education, and worked tirelessly for the Jewish people and the State of Israel.”
The bill also seeks to preserve the broader legacy of the Chabad movement throughout history. “The proposed center will serve to preserve and pass down the Rebbe’s teachings and transmit his values to future generations. Additionally, it will ensure that the heritage of the Chabad movement—guided by its core principle of a deep love for every Jew—continues to inspire and influence people worldwide.”
In his speech to the Knesset, MK Eliyahu highlighted the Rebbe’s unparalleled contribution to the Jewish people both in Israel and worldwide. “The Rebbe established a global network of more than 5,000 centers which today serves as the backbone of Jewish life around the world,” he stated.
The planned heritage center will not merely serve as a memorial site but as “a vibrant and dynamic place that will bridge all segments of the nation, focusing on unity rather than division, connection rather than conflict,” Eliyahu explained. The center is expected to function as a hub for dialogue, study, research, and educational activities inspired by the Rebbe’s teachings.
Eliyahu urged all Knesset members, regardless of political affiliation, to support the bill as “an opportunity to do historical justice for one of the most influential Jewish figures of recent generations.”
He also emphasized the role of Chabad Houses around the world, which provide support for countless Israelis traveling abroad. “The Rebbe’s shluchim do not ask whether you are religious, or if you align politically with the right or the left. They are simply there for you. Period,” he remarked.
MK Itamar Ben Gvir, leader of Otzma Yehudit, also expressed strong support for the initiative. “The bill to commemorate the Rebbe’s legacy is an important step in recognizing his immense contribution to the Jewish people. The Rebbe was a global leader who tirelessly worked to bring every Jew closer to their identity and heritage, with genuine love for all,” he said. “I am proud to be a partner in this legislation, which properly honors the Rebbe and his life’s work.”
In a notable statement, opposition leader MK Yair Lapid, who has often taken a secular stance, also voiced support for the bill. “For the sake of the Rebbe,” he said, adding that Chabad emissaries worldwide provide invaluable support to Jews everywhere, regardless of background.
With its preliminary approval in the Knesset, the bill will now advance to committee discussions before moving forward for final approval.
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