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Israeli President Isaac herzog visited Ukraine to mark the 80th anniversary of the Babi Yar massacre of Jews in Kiev during the Holocaust. Meeting the Chlou’him, he recalled his memorable visit to Rabbi. Whole story
By COLlive reporter
The President of the State of Israel Isaac herzog paid a state visit to Ukraine where he met his Ukrainian counterpart Vladimir Zlanski and attending commemorative events marking the 80th anniversary of the Babi Yar massacre of Kiev Jews during the Holocaust in 1941.
“Commemoration and remembrance are vital for all of humanity, against evil, cruelty and apathy,†Herzog said in his remarks Wednesday. President of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier also assisted.
At a reception earlier today, President Herzog was personally greeted by Chabad Shluchim in Ukraine at a reception hosted by JNF Ukraine.
The Chief Rabbi of Kiev was present Yonathan Markovitch and his son Rabbi Ariel Markovich, Rabbi Meir Stammering and Rabbi Raphael Rotman of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine, the Chief Rabbi of Kharkov Moshe Moskovich, Rabbi Moshe Azman of Kiev and the militant rabbi Levi Edrei.
Speaking to Rabbi Markovich, Herzog recalled an unforgettable moment in his life at Lubavitcher Headquarters – 770 Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn, NY. his father Chaim Herzog was Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations and came to 770 to participate in the Simchas Torah celebrations with the Rabbi.
“I was with the Rebbe at Simhat Torah and I will not forget this defining moment,†President Herzog said. “I remember the Rebbe leading me to hold his Torah scroll and even welcoming me enthusiastically.
The president added to Rabbi Markovich: “To this day, this moment follows me, especially when I see the tremendous work of Chabad in the world and especially here in Kiev and Ukraine where we are now.
Israeli Ambassador to Ukraine Michael Brodsky, Israeli minister Zeev Elkin, Acting President of the Jewish Agency Yaakov Hagoel, Honorary Consul of Israel in Ukraine Oleg Vishniakov, chairman of the Israeli-Ukrainian parliamentary committee Aaron Frenkel and other guests participated.
The day before, the president’s entourage had visited the institutions of the Jewish community in Kiev headed by Rabbi Markovich. They were particularly touched by the “Child with a Future†kindergarten which welcomes children with special needs, the only one of its kind in the country.
Hagoel, president of the Jewish Agency, commented: “I was delighted and excited to see what Rabbi Markovich did. One of the tasks I have set for myself is to help people with disabilities immigrate to Israel and integrate into public life and work in Israel. I believe we will come together to solve this extremely important task. “
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