Amid a period of tension and challenge for Israel and Diaspora communities, a group of 250 shlichim (“emissaries”) gathered for a departure ceremony in Jerusalem before leaving to represent Israel in dozens of communities worldwide. The event was organized by the Religious Zionist Shlichut Center, founded by World Mizrachi, which helps oversee the training and placement of emissaries who serve in communal leadership, rabbinical and educational posts around the globe, in dozens of cities.
The July 11 event at Jerusalem’s Cinema City also featured a premiere screening of an English version of the film “Legend of Destruction,” depicting how national disunity led to the events of the destruction of the Second Temple and changed the destiny of Jewish history.
Among presenters at the event were Rabbi Doron Perez, executive chairman of World Mizrachi and head of the WZO’s Department of Religious Services in the Diaspora; Gael Grunewald, deputy chairman of the WZO and head of the Settlement Division; and Rabbi Yosef Zvi Rimon, president of World Mizrachi Movement.
“We live in an era where our national unity is more important than ever in combating the myriad of threats that are facing our people, both here in Israel and around the world,” said Rabbi Hillel Van-Leeuwen, head of the Shlichut Center. “The mandate of these shlichim is in large part to educate that creating greater unity—both within communities and between the Diaspora and Israel—is critical for ensuring a better and safer future for all world Jewry.”
“We are excited to head out to our shlichut particularly now,” said Eitan and Rivka Lichtman, who will be going to Detroit as emissaries for Bnei Akiva. “While it is certainly challenging to leave Israel at this time, we also believe strongly that our work in communities will be more important than ever. Our hope is that we will be able to share with people the beauty of Israel and the importance that we stand together as one people with one heart, no matter where in the world we find ourselves.”
Also present at the event were the heads of the Religious Zionist shlichut organizations from World Mizrachi, World Bnei Akiva, Torah MiTzion, Strauss-Amiel, Bat-Ami and the Aguda LeHitnadvut.
