‘Nshei Kiev’ Hosts Hager Couple

By COLlive reporter

London Diamond Bourse President Freddy Hager and his wife Louise Hager, a businesswoman too, were the guests at an evening commemorating the 23rd yahrzeit of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson OBM, wife of the Rebbe.

The Hagers, residents of Golders Green, are known for their friendship with the Rebbetzin since the 1960s. As a 14 year-old, Mrs. Hager spoke to her by phone at least once a week.

“The Rebbetzin wanted to know, What did I enjoy? What were the subjects? Who were my friends? She showed great interest,” she said.

“I have to admit, never having been a particularly keen student, I came away wanting to give her something, wanting to impress her, wanting to give her some good news,” added Hager. “So I started to write to her.”

Doing so turned out to be a big incentive to do better: “I made an effort to try and do well in school.”

She spoke at an evening at the Hyatt Regency Kiev Hotel organized by Nshei Kiev, directed by Mrs. Devora Leah Levenhartz and Devora Rutman in honor of Tu B’Shvat.

Another story she related was of her visit of New York in the month of Tishrei of 5748, a few months before the Rebbetzin’s passing on 22 Shvat.

“I told her I was debating about my next visit. Should it be for 10 Shvat or Pesach. When I realized her dissatisfaction of the second option, I immediately agreed to come for Yud Shvat. When I came she gave me unusually unique blessings…”

The Hagers were also guests of a Farbrengen for local Shluchim and member of the Chabad community hosted at the home of Ukrainian Lubavitch businessman Raphael Rutman and his wife Devora, who are friends with the Hagers.

They later visited Dnepropetrovsk and spoke at a community event there as well.