Thousands of Chabad emissaries from more than 100 countries gathered Sunday morning for their traditional annual group photo outside the movement’s world headquarters, known as “770,” in Brooklyn. The November cold did not deter the emissaries, who crowded onto towering bleachers.
The annual portrait, taken during the International Conference of Chabad Emissaries, comes against the backdrop of the past year’s events and antisemitic incidents around the world. Bringing together thousands of younger and veteran rabbis, the image sends a clear message: They refuse to keep a low profile or hide.
The conference drew 6,489 emissaries. “We will not be deterred by antisemitism,” said one emissary from Europe. “There are unpleasant moments, and the situation has changed, but our mission remains the same.”
An updated map of Chabad’s global network, unveiled this week, shows remarkable expansion across continents. Chabad centers and outreach programs continue to operate in conflict zones in Ukraine and Russia, at major university campuses in the West and in some of the world’s most remote tourist destinations.
Chabad emissaries pose for the conference’s group photo
(Photo: Itzik Belenitzki)
“The emissaries travel in only one direction: to bring light and a sense of security to every Jew and traveler around the world,” said Rabbi Menachem Kotlarsky, the conference’s director. “Every year, another 200 emissaries join the group photo, adding another 200 powerful points of light.”
A gala tribute to the thousands of emissaries is scheduled for Sunday evening at a large venue in New Jersey, concluding five packed days of the international conference.