President Shazar’s Dying Wish

By COLlive reporter

Tens of thousands of Brazilians are taking to the streets these days to protest corruption and reforming a government system in which people have lost faith.

But a group of 260 people, who gathered recently at Chabad of Morumbi in S. Paulo, heard about another type government and public officials that are compassionate and helpful.

Eliezer Shmueli, an educator and a specialist in educational administration, was the guest of honor at the annual “Night of Inspiration” of Chabad, marking the Rebbe’s yartzeit on Gimmel Tammuz.

He served as Director General of Israel’s Ministry of Education and Culture between the years 1976-1987 and was key to building schools and educational institutions around the country, including Chabad.

Shmueli told of the 5 Yechidus private audiences he merited to have with the Rebbe in 770 Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn, NY, and how the Rebbe helped shape and influence his work.

He told how in his final days, Israel’s third President Zalman Shazar called for him and asked, “Please do me a favor: Take care of Chabad for me,” in the Education Ministry.

The evening was organized by Shluchim Rabbi Dovid and Chanie Goldberg and honored Tufi Duek, Brazilian fashion designer and Jewish philanthropist, as well as Ricardo Berkiensztad, Vice President of the Jewish Federation in S. Paulo.

The inspirational evening featured a special video of the Rebbe and closing remarks by Shliach Rabbi Dovid Weitman who shared a personal story with the Rebbe, pointing out how the Rebbe’s leadership continues on.