Israel's former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant made a significant visit to Brooklyn this weekend, thanking a global Jewish organization for its support during the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.
The visit took place at "770" - a landmark Brooklyn building that serves as the worldwide headquarters of Chabad-Lubavitch, a major Jewish movement known for establishing religious and cultural centers in locations ranging from university campuses to remote villages across the globe.
[Photo gallery: Yoav Gallant visits Chabad's annual Kinnus 5785 / 2024- Credit: Dov Behr Hechtman]
Gallant's visit coincided with the conclusion of Chabad's Kinnus (annual conference), which brings together thousands of the movement's emissaries who run these centers worldwide - think of it as a global summit for Jewish community leaders who operate what essentially amounts to a worldwide network of spiritual embassies.
Speaking to thousands of emissaries (known as shluchim), Gallant, who served as Defense Minister during the October 7th Hamas attacks and initial phases of Israel's response, offered a rare glimpse into the intersection of faith and military leadership during crisis.
"This war has brought unprecedented achievements thanks to two things," Gallant said, "divine miracles and the actions of our soldiers." He emphasized how Chabad's global network has played a critical role in supporting Israeli troops, noting that wherever soldiers are stationed, they often find Chabad representatives offering support, meals, and spiritual encouragement.
The significance of his visit extends beyond simple diplomacy. Chabad operates what many consider a parallel diplomatic network for Israel, with its centers serving as unofficial cultural embassies in places where Israel might not have official representation. "Chabad is like another foreign ministry for Israel," Gallant noted, acknowledging the organization's unique role in global Jewish affairs.
Before his main address, Gallant participated in a more intimate gathering in Crown Heights, Brooklyn's historic Jewish quarter, meeting with key leaders of the movement. The format of this meeting - called a farbrengen in Yiddish - represents a traditional Chassidic gathering combining spiritual discussions with community celebration.
For context, Gallant's visit to "770" (named for its address at 770 Eastern Parkway) is comparable to a senior government official visiting Vatican City or Salt Lake City's Temple Square - it's both a spiritual center and administrative headquarters for a global religious movement.
This visit highlights the complex relationship between Israel's secular military establishment and religious institutions, particularly during times of crisis. It also demonstrates how global Jewish organizations like Chabad serve multiple roles: as spiritual centers, cultural embassies, and support networks during international crises.
The timing is particularly significant as Israel continues its military operations in Gaza. Chabad's network has been actively involved in supporting both Israeli soldiers and Jewish communities worldwide dealing with increased antisemitism since the October 7th attacks.
Gallant's visit was organized by Rabbi Avremi Meidanchik, who leads Chabad activities in Rishon LeZion, Israel, highlighting the close connections between the movement's American headquarters and its extensive Israeli operations.