Chabad on Campus UK hosted a successful mid summer reception in Regents Park Central London this week celebrating the enormous growth of Chabad on Campus over the last year serving the many thousands of Jewish students in the UK and Europe.
Chairman of Chabad on Campus UK, Rabbi Eli Brackman, announced that for the first time there are eighteen full time Chabad student centres serving Jewish students across the UK and Europe, and commented that part of "the role of Chabad on Campus is to infuse pride and joy into being Jewish on campus, while simultaneously being at the forefront in helping students overcome the many challenges that face Jewish students on university campuses in Europe today”.
Addressing supporters and friends of Chabad on Campus UK, guest of honour Vice President of the Jewish Leadership Council of the UK, Lord Janner of Braunstone QC, spoke of the vital work of Chabad on Campus in a difficult climate on campus and characteristically humoured the audience with anecdotes about his life long work as a proud Jewish voice in the House of Commons.
Keynote speaker was communal philanthropist and founding supporter of Chabad on Campus UK and Europe, Mr. David Slager, who spoke about the dedication and devotion of Chabad on campus rabbis and their wives, inspired by the teaching of the Lubavitcher Rebbe of blessed memory.
In tribute to the work of Chabad on Campus UK, a number of Jewish students addressed the evening in appreciation of having been served by Chabad while at university, including Daniela Doffman from Nottingham University and Frederick Levy from Southampton University. Daniela spoke about the pleasure of having a warm home away from home for Jewish students on campus, as well as to be afforded the opportunity to deepen her knowledge in Judaism in such an open and non judgmental atmosphere.
Announced during the evening was the opening of a brand new student centre serving Jewish students at Brighton University and South East campuses.
The reception was chaired by Rabbi Mendy Lent of Chabad at Nottingham University and honourable hosts for the evening included Mr. Allan and Birgit Freinkel, Mr. Edward Black and Vardit Lunzer.
Musical entertainment was performed by the Oxford Klezmer group.
Tal Ofer commented, “it was a great event and a tribute to the fantastic work of Chabad on campus. May they go from strength to strength.”
Chabad on Campus UK centres include: Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Leeds, Liverpool, Central London, East End of London, South London, Manchester, Nottingham and Oxford.
Chabad on Campus Europe centres include: Amsterdam, Holland, Berlin, Germany, Debrecen, Hungary, Florence, Italy, and Paris, France.
For more information about Chabad on Campus visit: www.chabadoncampus.org.uk and www.chabadoncampus.eu
Click here to view pictures of the reception