Philanthropist George Rohr visited Mayanot in Jerusalem for a dedication breakfast at the Mayanot Library, where teachers, staff, and students gathered to express appreciation for his and Pamela Rohr's support of the institution and Jewish communities worldwide.
The Rohr family played a central role in establishing and renovating the newly completed Mayanot World Center, a five-story building spanning more than 3,500 square meters. The facility includes a Beit Midrash, classrooms, library, student residences, dining areas, and spaces for programs including post-high school learning, college programs, Birthright extensions, executive education, Israel advocacy, and lone soldier support.
More than 400 students from around the world study at Mayanot annually across men's and women's programs, with thousands more participating in Birthright and other initiatives. The institution has a global alumni network of more than 5,500 graduates in 190 communities.
During the gathering, students shared personal accounts of their paths to Mayanot. One student, Kalman Francis, described how he first learned about the yeshiva through Chabad of Kathmandu while in the Himalayas.
Mr. Rohr reflected on the occasion, saying, "I can't tell you what a joy it is to be standing here, looking around the room, and just feeling the energy and being here, and listening to you guys. We're investing in a future that we ourselves are not going to inhabit."
Rabbi Kasriel Shemtov, Executive Director of Mayanot, thanked Mr. Rohr, stating, "Baruch Hashem, today we have not just an incredible neshama, an incredible student body, but also we have an incredible guf, an incredible building. Baruch Hashem, you've been part of both."
Rabbi Yisroel Noach Wichnin, Rosh Yeshiva, and Rabbi Shlomo Gestetner, Dean of Mayanot, also reflected on the institution's mission of connecting students to Torah and Chassidus and fostering Jewish engagement globally. The morning concluded with a farbrengen featuring singing and celebration among students, faculty, and Mr. Rohr.