Ukrainian Chabad emissaries in New York: at the world center of Chabad – “770” in Crown Heights reminded the world that Ukraine still needs support

Last week, representatives of the Kyiv Jewish community, as noted by JCC BEIT Menachem KYIV, “together with the Chief Rabbi of Kyiv and the main Chabad emissary in the capital, Rabbi Yonatan Markovich“, returned from an important trip to the United States. During the visit, the delegation participated in the annual Chabad emissaries convention (Kinus Hashluchim), which traditionally takes place in New York and gathers more than 6,000 rabbis from around the world.

This was reported by the official account of JCC BEIT Menachem KYIV on November 25, 2025.

The event became a key international platform where Ukrainian shluchim were able to personally tell the global Jewish community about what Ukraine is going through today, the cost of maintaining its resilience, and why the country still vitally needs support.

Focus on Ukraine: What the Delegation Conveyed to the World

During the visit, Ukrainian representatives actively communicated with rabbis from dozens of countries, leaders of Jewish organizations, military personnel, public figures, and influential personalities.
The main message was the same at every meeting:

Ukraine is strong, Ukraine is holding on, but help is still needed.

Kyiv representatives spoke about:

• the daily challenges the country is experiencing;
• the resilience of people continuing to live under threats and shelling;
• the humanitarian needs that remain critical;
• the importance of international support, without which Ukrainian resilience is impossible.

It was noted that Ukrainians maintain determination and inner strength, but it is the partnership of the global community that helps endure the prolonged war and its consequences.

Meetings in the USA: Attention, Respect, and Concrete Support

One of the highlights of the trip was a meeting with a New York City Council member, who expressed deep respect for the Ukrainian people and personally for Rabbi Markovich. He emphasized his readiness to assist and support the efforts of the Ukrainian community.

A special meeting was held with American lawyer and politician Michael Wildes — an influential figure in the USA, known for his closeness to Donald Trump’s circle and his work as Melania Trump’s lawyer.
Rabbi Markovich has long-standing warm relations with the Wildes family: the friendship began with his father, lawyer Leon Wildes, of blessed memory.

Michael Wildes expressed support for Ukraine and assured that he is ready to continue helping Rabbi Markovich in his efforts to defend the interests of the Ukrainian Jewish community.

Why New York is a Key Point for Ukrainian Chabad

Kinus Hashluchim takes place at the world center of Chabad — “770” in Crown Heights, making participation in the convention especially significant.
For Ukrainian emissaries, it is an opportunity to:

• include Ukraine in the global dialogue of Jewish communities;
• strengthen international connections;
• attract additional humanitarian and organizational support;
• tell the world real stories from a country that continues to live in wartime conditions.

Participation of the Ukrainian delegation at such a level is not just a gesture of presence. It is a way to remind the international Jewish family that Ukraine remains part of the global Jewish space and needs partnership.

The annual Chabad emissaries convention, held at the end of November in New York, is considered the main global event of the movement. It is a multi-day meeting attended by more than six thousand rabbis and community leaders from around the world. Over several days, conferences, closed sessions, thematic discussions, prayers, and a large communal banquet take place.

In 2025, the convention also took place at the end of November, and it was to this event that the delegation from Kyiv, led by Rabbi Yonatan Markovich, arrived.

The convention itself holds special significance.

In essence, it is the largest annual gathering point for global Chabad, where emissaries meet: community leaders, educators, rabbis, and public figures. Here they discuss the work of Jewish centers in different countries, share experiences, develop new projects, and discuss the challenges faced by communities — from humanitarian programs and educational initiatives to security issues and assistance to people in crisis situations. For many emissaries, working sometimes in remote or unstable regions, this meeting is an opportunity not only to gain new knowledge but also to feel the support of a united global Jewish community.

The convention is held in New York for a reason. This city is home to the central headquarters of Chabad — the famous “770” building on Eastern Parkway, where the Lubavitcher Rebbe lived and served.

Here are concentrated the international management structures of the movement, educational centers, archives, and funds, and it is from here that the work of hundreds of communities around the world is coordinated. New York historically became the place for the convention during the Rebbe’s time, and this tradition has been preserved. Another city simply cannot accommodate thousands of emissaries, provide the necessary infrastructure, security, and logistics. Moreover, a trip to “770” has deep spiritual meaning for any shliach: it is a return to the source of their mission.

Overall Conclusion of the Trip: Ukraine Needs Stable Support

The main thing that Ukrainian emissaries sought to convey at the convention:

Ukraine is strong, but not omnipotent.
Ukraine is resilient, but should not stand alone.
Ukraine needs support — now and in the future.

This trip was another step in strengthening international solidarity with Ukraine.
And the Ukrainian delegation emphasizes: when communities from the USA, Europe, Israel, and the whole world unite — efforts yield real results.