Mitzvah Tank Parade in Melbourne was a Miracle

Mesivta bochurim in Melbourne Yehuda Ruschinek, Schneur Reicher, Berel Wolf, and Yoav Cooper set out to arrange a grand Mitzva Tank parade. But with no vehicles available, they were ready to give up, until they asked the Rebbe for a bracha.

A few weeks ago, a group of students from Melbourne Mesivtah embarked on organizing the annual Yud Alef Nissan Mitzvah Tank Parade in honor of the Rebbe’s birthday. Yehuda Ruschinek, Schneur Reicher, Berel Wolf, and Yoav Cooper took on various responsibilities to ensure the success of the event.

Despite their meticulous planning, a major hurdle emerged as they struggled to secure transportation for the parade. Repeated attempts to book vans or RVs were met with the same disappointing response: “School holidays – all booked out.” With less than 24 hours remaining until the parade, the situation seemed dire.

In a last-ditch effort, Schneur reached out to a local rental company. Initially met with rejection, a glimmer of hope emerged when the agent offered three vans and a 25-seater minibus. Though insufficient for their needs, the group was determined to press on.

Facing the prospect of canceling the parade, they sought advice but were met with encouragement to proceed. With unwavering resolve, Schneur decided to secure the available vehicles and find additional solutions.

Through the grace of community support, they managed to borrow five more vans from generous members. The night before the Parade, as they were readying the Tanks for transport, Berel shared an unbelievable piece of news with Schneur. He had written into the Rebbe for a Brocho at 3pm… the time when Schneur was about to cancel the parade!

On the day of the parade, departing slightly behind schedule, the convoy set off from Yeshivah Shule, embarking on a nearly two-hour journey.

During the procession, over 515 Matzos were distributed to members of the Melbourne community, ensuring they would have Matzah for Pesach despite the challenges faced.