5,000 Join Worldwide Campaign Honoring Rebbe's Father

Five thousand supporters from around the world participated in the annual Chof Av campaign, which raised more than $1 million to support Jewish revival efforts in Almaty and across Kazakhstan. The campaign honored Rabbi Levi Yitzchok Schneerson, the Rebbe's father, who was exiled to Kazakhstan by Soviet authorities for his work preserving and spreading Yiddishkeit.

Kazakhstan's Chief Rabbi and Head Shliach Rabbi Yeshaya Cohen described the campaign as moving, noting that "thousands of donors from around the world unite to support the spread of Yiddishkeit in Kazakhstan, the country to which Rabbi Levi Yitzchok was exiled." He explained that participants had become active partners in continuing the legacy of Rabbi Levi Yitzchok and the work of Kazakhstan's shluchim.

In a country where Jews once risked danger by openly identifying as Jewish or organizing Torah classes and religious gatherings, a Jewish revival is now underway. The Rebbe's shluchim continue expanding activities that enable Jews throughout Kazakhstan to reconnect with their heritage.

Rabbi Cohen emphasized that perpetuating Rabbi Levi Yitzchok's memory was of deep personal importance to the Rebbe, who encouraged publication of his writings and care for his tziyun in Almaty. Campaign participants became partners in maintaining the tziyun and providing hospitality for visitors who travel to Almaty.

Chabad of Kazakhstan currently operates eight centers in seven cities, with the central location near the tziyun in Almaty. Rabbi Cohen stated, "With the support of the campaign's many donors and partners, we will be able to expand our activities and move forward with even greater strength."

A raffle for two airline tickets to Almaty will be held on the yahrzeit of Rebbetzin Chana Schneerson. Donors may still contribute and submit names to be mentioned in prayer at the tziyun.