5,000 Join Worldwide Campaign Honoring Rebbe's Father

Five thousand supporters from around the world participated in the annual Chof Av campaign honoring the Rebbe's father, raising more than one million dollars to support Jewish revival efforts in Almaty and across Kazakhstan.

The campaign commemorated Rabbi Levi Yitzchok Schneerson, a renowned scholar and chassid who was exiled to Kazakhstan by Soviet authorities for his work preserving and spreading Jewish practice. Participants from global communities became partners in the work of Kazakhstan's shluchim, the preservation of Rabbi Levi Yitzchok's legacy, and the care of his resting place in Almaty.

"It was deeply moving to see 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," Said Kazakhstan's Chief Rabbi and Head Shliach, Rabbi Yeshaya Cohen.

The Rabbi explained that the Rebbe had described how a soul in the World of Truth seeks sparks in this world to continue its work. "Thousands have now answered that call. They have become active partners in continuing what Rabbi Levi Yitzchok began here in Kazakhstan and carrying his legacy forward," He said.

Rabbi Cohen expressed gratitude to donors, fundraisers and staff, noting that "We regard every donor as a genuine partner in the shlichus that began here more than 82 years ago through the baal hahilula and continues today through the Rebbe's army of shluchim."

In a country where openly identifying as Jewish once carried danger, a Jewish revival is now underway. The shluchim continue expanding activities that enable Kazakhstani Jews to reconnect with their heritage and live openly as Jews.

Rabbi Cohen emphasized that continuing his father's legacy and perpetuating his memory held deep personal importance to the Rebbe, who encouraged publication of Rabbi Levi Yitzchok's writings and showed great care for the upkeep of his resting place.

Kazakhstan's shluchim maintain the site and provide hospitality for visitors. Campaign participants supported these efforts and the perpetuation of Rabbi Levi Yitzchok's legacy throughout the country.

Chabad of Kazakhstan operates eight centers in seven cities, with the central location near the resting place in Almaty. Donors may still contribute and submit names to be mentioned in prayer at the site. A raffle offering airline tickets to Almaty will be held on the yahrzeit of Rebbetzin Chana Schneerson, wife of Rabbi Levi Yitzchok and mother of the Rebbe.