Russian Jewish Community Celebrates ‘Day of Liberation’ on 80th Anniversary
In annual tradition, the 26th of Iyar, designated as the ‘Day of Liberation and Rescue’ of European Jews from the Nazis was marked for generations to remember the rescue of the Jewish survivors and in memory of the martyrs of the Holocaust • Full Story, Photos, Video
In annual tradition, the 26th of Iyar, designated as the ‘Day of Liberation and Rescue’ of European Jews from the Nazis was marked for generations to remember the rescue of the Jewish survivors and in memory of the martyrs of the Holocaust. Numerous events were held to increase awareness and preserve memory among the younger Jewish generation in Russia, which is developing through the hundreds of Jewish communities scattered throughout the Russian Federation.
The first session opened in the central “Marina Roshcha” shul, with the participation of hundreds of students from nearby institutions and many public figures. The community’s director, Rabbi Mordechai Weisberg, spoke on behalf of the community, and on behalf of the “STMEGI” organization, philanthropist Isaii Zacharyev spoke. After reciting “kel malei rachamim”, candles were lit, Mishnayos were studied, and chapters of Tehillim were sung.
The next day, a government ceremony was held near the Monument of the Unknown Soldier at the foot of the Kremlin walls, led by the chairman of the STMEGI Charity Foundation and the brainchild of the idea, esteemed philanthropist Gavriel German Zecharyaev, with the participation of Jewish veterans, young students, and representatives of the Jewish communities in Moscow. The event continued in the magnificent hall of the Radisson Hotel on the Moscow River, and was a day dedicated to discussions on preventing anti-Semitism, with the participation of representatives of the government and various religions.
The main event was held this year at the Archipova Shul. Rabbi Avraham Adolf Shayevich, Rabbi of the Russian Jewish Congress, and philanthropist Mr. Zecharyev, invited the Chief Rabbi of Russia, Rabbi Berel Lazar, with the keynote address. The main points of his speech were about the unity that must exist among all Jews, in light of the call of the Lubavitcher Rebbe 39 years ago, to maximize the Shabbos before Matan Torah, for a Shabbos Achdus of ‘like one man, with one heart.’ In his speech, the Chief Rabbi mentioned the dedication of the Chasidim who worked during the difficult years within the walls of this historic place and brought back memories from about forty years ago, when he stood by the Shliach Rabbi Zev Kuravsky, in establishing the first Jewish Day School that operated for several years in this very building. With classes taking place in the Women’s Balcony, this school led to the establishment of the ‘Or Avner’ network, with thousands of Jewish students in all the countries of the Commonwealth.
After Chief Rabbi Lazar led “kel malei rachamim” in memory of the martyrs, Tehillim was recited and the large congregation that filled the venue dispersed with an uplifted feeling of unity and love for the Jewish communities in Russia, which are a symbol and example of working together for the greater good, creating a tremendous Kiddush Hashem.
Photos: STMEGI spokesperson
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