There a few in the European Institutions corridor who haven’t met the “Jewish Ambassador,” Rabbi Levi Matusof who advocates for a decade for Jewish interests among European leaders and decision makers in Brussels, the capital of the European Union.
Many of these influential dignitaries were invited to a Jewish New Year reception hosted by Matusof at the European Jewish Community Center in Belgium.
The event took place on the eve of a EU leaders summit and was closed to the wide public for security reasons. Official vehicles unloaded one by one the invitees only.
The reception’s main guest was the pro western President of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili who was welcomed publicly with a warm embrace by Rabbi Matusof.
“Rosh Hashanah is not only marking the historic date of the creation of the world, but mainly the day the creation of humanity, the first man and his wife,” Matusof said in his remarks.
“This day indeed reminds us that each of has a goal and mission to fulfill on earth in his or her lifetime”, he said.
Sakashvilil evoked his personal relationship with the large Jewish community in Georgia and its Diaspora and his attachments to Israel.
In recognition to the Jewish people and their contribution to humanity, Sakashvilil announced that starting this year Chanukah was proclaimed as national holiday in Georgia.
“In Georgia there are no police in front of the synagogue during the prayers, not because we do not care about the security of the Jews, but because we are of the rare nations where is no anti-Semitism,” he proudly declared.
He also mentioned his previous meeting with Rabbi Matusof, while the latter honored him with an elegant package of hand made Shmura Matza. “I tasted them, they were special. Can we eat them year round?” he joked.
With Friends of Jewish Organizations in the European Union, Rabbi Levi Matusof awarded the President of Georgia with the prestigious “Sound of Europe” price – a giant silver-plated Shofar.
Prior to Rabbi Avi Tawil, Director of the EJCC, blowing the Shofar, the audience received an explanation of the meaning of the simple blasts, the inner cry without sophisticated phrased sentences; an opportunity for every individual to connect with the Creator, each in its way and to ask for personal requests.
Also present at the prestigious event were outstanding: Maros Sefkovic , Vice-President of the European Commission; Ran Curiel, Israel’s Ambassador to the European Union; Ivo Daalder U.S. Ambassador to NATO; Andre Azoulay, adviser to King Mohammed VI of Morocco – who pointed out the important contribution of Matusof grandfather’s, the late Rabbi Shlomo Matusof, to the Moroccan society, in his 50 years as director of the Lubavitch Institution; and many Members of the European Parliament, Ambassadors from Europe and beyond, diplomats, politicians and members of governments.
European Commission Vice-President Maros Sefkovic warmly recalled the days when he served as Slovakia’s ambassador in Tel Aviv, where his son was born. With enthusiasm, he spoke about rapid technological developments in Israel, and invited the distinguished crowd to visit Israel where he has just spent his summer with his family. He also mentioned the annual celebrations of Hanukkah where his partakes with the day’s hosts.
After the ceremonial part, Rabbi Levi Matusof mingled among his guests, who tasted traditional Jewish delicates dishes , tasting cocktails concluding this prestigious reception, where many of colleagues shared their experiences with Jews and Judaism, and promised to do the best for coming new year.
In the days preceding Rosh Hashana, in a personal letter to Rabbi Levi Matusof, European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso sent a greetings to the Rabbinical Centre of Europe, where he “vigorously condemn any forms of Anti-Semitism, racism and discrimination on the basis of belief. Be assured of my commitment and determination in pursuing that cause,” he adds. A letter from European Parliament President Jerzy Buzek was also received.
Levi keep it up, ve’al yevoish mipnay hamaligim
Let’s not forget the power behind the throne!!! Go Rut!!
Love, your family
AMAZING!!!
just a little suggestion…. he should get a new hat
Great job! You look like you are attracting alot of people..keep up the great work!! The world is proud of our Shluchim!