Uncompromising Jewish Pride at Israeli Consul in New York

For the Jewish members of the Israeli Consulate and delegation to the UN in New York, Shliach Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Noyman arranged a Menorah lighting on the sixth night of Chanukah at their consul and encouraged them to stand with uncompromising Jewish pride.

On the sixth night of Chanukah, Shliach Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Noyman arranged a Menorah lighting at the Israeli Consulate in New York for their staff and for the Israeli delegation to the UN.

The event included the participation of Consul General Ofir Akunis, who earlier this year met Chabad figures at 770 at the beginning of Tishrei and followed up by joining Hakofos on Simchas Torah. Rabbi Raphael Benchimol, Rabbi of the Manhattan Sephardic community was also present.

At the event, Rabbi Noyman shared the famous story of the first menorah lighting outside the White House with President Carter (who died on the anniversary of his national Menorah inauguration). President Carter insisted on lighting all eight candles on the fourth night. When Rabbi Shemtov recounted to the Rebbe how he gave in, the Rebbe admonished him, saying, “I expected more from you.”

Rabbi Neumann then turned to the crowd and said, “More is expected of you too. Even though you work with Americans, you are expected to stand with uncompromising Jewish pride.”