Confronted with the mass migration of tens of 1000’s of Israelis overseas within the aftermath of the October 7 Hamas attacks and the continuing battle, greater than 100 Chabad rabbis from 40 nations gathered final week in Budva, Montenegro, to plan an pressing response to this rising diaspora problem.
In accordance with Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics, roughly 82,700 Israelis left the nation in 2024 – the very best quantity because the nation’s founding. Practically half (48%) had been aged 20 to 45, whereas 27% had been youngsters or teenagers. The cities with the very best emigration charges included Tel Aviv, Haifa, Netanya, and Jerusalem.
The 2-day convention introduced collectively Chabad emissaries from throughout Europe, Africa, and the Center East, specializing in methods to support Israeli and Jewish émigrés searching for non secular and communal connection. Emissaries described an uptick in demand for Jewish id assets, reporting the launch of recent youth and younger grownup initiatives, together with CKids, CTeen, and CYP, even in nations the place Jews have traditionally hid their id.
Remembering the late Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, a key Chabad chief
The occasion additionally honored the late Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, a key chief in Chabad’s world operations. His son, Rabbi Menachem Kotlarsky, emphasised the significance of emissaries appearing as quick contact factors for Israelis arriving in unfamiliar locations. “This convention sharpened our technique to make sure each new immigrant finds a house from the second they land,” he mentioned.
In a symbolic gesture, members devoted a brand new Torah scroll meant for rotating minyanim in Jewish communities throughout Muslim-majority nations. The gathering additionally included a cornerstone-laying ceremony for Montenegro’s first mikvah and a memorial service for Israel’s fallen troopers.
Safety remained a core concern on the convention. Rabbi Moshe Fleishman of the Chabad World Help (CWA) group delivered a lecture on security protocols and operational procedures, which members described as “obligatory” for all emissaries and their spouses.
“Our quiet streets became a hub of Jewish continuity,” mentioned Rabbi Aidelkopf, who hosted the gathering. “We shared challenges, mentioned options, and mapped out the way forward for Jewish life within the area.”
