In honor of the 30th year since the Lubavitcher Rebbe's passing, the Shluchim of Queens arranged a dignified visit to the Ohel for the Borough President Donovan Richards. Richards displayed a deep respect for the Rebbe by writing a pan and reciting T'hilim at the Ohel. The Borough President resides just a few blocks from the Ohel and represented the community when he was a NYC Council Member. Richards has a history of being very helpful to the Ohel and developed a rapport between the administration of the Ohel and the local community members. He commented how privileged he feels every morning when he wakes up and realizes his close proximity to this holy eternal resting place. Richards also proclaimed Education and Sharing Day in honor of the Rebbe, with a proclamation presented to the Queens Shluchim at the Ohel. The Shluchim presented the Borough President with a gift, the best selling book Rebbe by Joseph Telushkin. Upon receiving it, Richards commented, “I can't wait to read it!"
Richards' visit was a tremendous kiddush Hashem and kiddush shem Lubavitch. The Borough President pledged to continue doing everything in his power to help the Jewish community and fight antisemitism.
In attendance were the Vaad Hashluchim of Queens members headed by Rabbi Yossi Blesofsky of Chabad Northeast Queens, who was joined by Rabbi Yerachmiel Zalmanov of Chabad Eastern Queens, Rabbi Dovi Steinmetz of Chabad of Briarwood, and Rabbi Mendy Hecht of Chabad of Forest Hills North. Queens shliach Rabbi Mordechai Hecht of Anshe Sholom Chabad also participated.
