December 24, 2007 / 15 Tevet  5768

This morning in Jerusalem, at the Renaissance Hotel (Monday Dec. 24 th) begins the annual three day conference: The World Conference of Orthodox Rabbis and Community Leaders, organized by the Department for Religious Affairs in the Diaspora, The World Zionist Organization.

This year the theme of the conference is: "Sixty years of the State of Israel and solidarity with the residents of the South" and it will take place at the Holiday Inn in Ashkelon from Monday evening.

During the Conference, the Rabbis and leaders will visit: The Palmachim Air-Force base, Kibbutz Saad, Yeshivat Kerem B'Yavneh and most importantly: Will support and identify with the citizens of Sderot. In Sderot there will be a special reception for the leaders led by Sderot Mayor, Eli Moyal.

Approximately 150 Rabbis and leaders from 32 countries around the globe are participating in the convention. Some of the countries are: India, Finland, Denmark, Argentina, Macedonia, Malta and Mexico.

Needless to say, the conference has attracted many leading Israeli figures, including: Former Chief of Staff Moshe (Bugi) Yaalon, Former Chief Rabbi Israel Meir Lau, The current Chief Rabbis, Rabbi Yaakov Ariel – Chief Rabbi of Ramat Gan, Mayors, and Politicians.

Rabbi Yechiel Wasserman, Head of the Department for Religious Affairs in the Diaspora: "We see great importance and symbolism that the Rabbis and leaders from all over the Diaspora visit an area, which is in the most difficult situation in Israel, in order to support and identify with the pain of the southern citizens' pain. The Department for Religious Affairs in the Diaspora in the World Zionist Organization is proud to host the Rabbis and leaders in order to maintain a close and genuine relationship between Israel and the Diaspora year round ."

For interviews and more information please contact:
Zvika Klein
Spokesperson
Department for Religious Affairs in the Diaspora
The World Zionist Organization
052-4317456
zvikak@wzo.org.il