‘Parallel U.N.’ of Chabad envoys created in 1971 by false messiah rebbe Schneerson
In opposition to the UN and other ill-wishers
Thousands of envoys unanimously voted for the integrity of the Land of Israel, and it was noticeable how touched the Knesset deputy Ohad Tal ("Religious Zionism") standing on the podium. In an exclusive interview, he recalls the Saturday spent in "770", shares his personal experience of meeting with the messenger at the house of HABAD in Oslo, criticizes the "Woke culture" that has engulfed New York, contrasting it with the light carried by the envoys of HABAD, and conveys a strong message to the American administration.
"Who here agrees that the Land of Israel belongs to the people of Israel?" Tal asked. The hall threw up his hands at the same time. "The land of Israel belongs to the people of Israel!" - spread across the hall in a powerful impulse of unity.
A little later, Tal agreed to take time for a more detailed conversation. After the Saturday spent at the envoys' convention in "770", he looked inspired and focused. This is how the conversation about the three "integrities", world politics and the importance of the work of each envoy unfolded.
"PARALLEL UN" REBBE
Deputy Tal, as a person accustomed to big events, what impressed you the most at this evening?
You know, it's hard to find an analogue of what I felt at the congress of envoys. I'm used to conferences, parliamentary hearings and official speeches. But here I felt a different level of intelation. This enthusiasm really inspires to continue serving the community. CHABAD has many peculiarities, but the feeling I experienced at the congress of envoys will stay with me for a long time.
You offered an unusual vote on the stage.
Yes, I considered it my duty. I reminded the participants that in 1971, on Simhat-Tora, the Rebbe created a "parallel UN" - "UN of Envoys". It was a response to the anti-Israeli decisions of the real UN. The Rebbe was well aware that our words and actions on earth, an open statement that we are not alien on our land, also matter in Heaven.
When the audience raised their hands and shouted "The land of Israel belongs to the people of Israel!", I realized that we not only continue the Rebbe's work, but also shape reality. The decision was made unanimously. And it was not just a formal gesture - it showed how seriously we take the protection of our right to the Land of Israel.
LIGHT OF CHABAD AGAINST DARKNESS WOKE
One of the key topics raised by Tal was the contrast he felt during his visit to New York: on the one hand, the power of tradition and the life of 770, on the other hand, the degradation of the surrounding city.
In your speech, you mentioned the new mayor of New York Zoran Mamdani. Your words were completely unambiguous.
You can't keep silent about it. Judge for yourself: the city with the largest Jewish community in the world elected a man with openly anti-Semitic positions as mayor. At the same time, a significant part of the votes for him were Jewish. It's disturbing. Mamdani is a populist and progressive who identifies himself with the forces carrying the destruction of Western civilization, including Hamas. His ideology is the destruction of: identity, traditions, morality, family values and the nation itself. He stands for the "liberation of Palestine" from the Jews.
HABAD is the complete opposite. Mamdani and progressives divide and destroy, and messengers create and unite. They choose good instead of evil, moral clarity instead of postmodern chaos of relativity. Envoys work daily, trying to awaken the Jewish soul and connect the Jews with their roots.
They are the answer to the hatred and chaos that Mamdani sows. Everyone who has encountered the messengers and the teachings of the Rebbe feels their depth and wisdom. Today, the real struggle is between the culture of destruction and the eternal culture of the Torah of Israel.
SATURDAY IN "770": THE POWER THAT IGNITES SOULS
Before moving on to policy and security issues, tell us about your personal spiritual experience. You arrived at the congress on Thursday, but why exactly Saturday at "770", according to you, became the strongest spiritual experience?
I came to the congress of envoys on Thursday, met with several groups of participants. But it was on Saturday that I got the opportunity to be in "770" - in the Rebbe's house. I stood there and prayed among thousands of messengers from all over the world, feeling concentration and power that are difficult to convey in words. Saturday prayer, when everyone sways in time like waves, filled with enthusiasm and special love for Israel, is a feeling that has no analogues for me.
It seems to have touched you deeply.
Earlier I wondered: what makes young people leave everything and go to the end of the world, fulfilling the mission of messengers? After this Saturday, I realized: the inner fire burning in each of them leads them on a mission with full dedication - despite diplomatic difficulties, restrictions in kosher food and difficulties in raising children. I suddenly realized that only the power of the Rebbe could ignite such selflessness in people.
Saturday's event after the morning prayer became the apogee of these sensations: songs, power, faith. I've been to "770" before, but I've never participated in a world congress of envoys. I'm being honest: those who haven't experienced it themselves can't explain it in words. I recommend everyone who wants to be filled with energy and inspiration to become a part of this event at least once.
THE STORY IN OSLO AND THE MESSENGER WHO SAVED SATURDAY
During the conversation, Tal talked about his personal experience when he had to use the help of an envoy in a difficult situation. This story perfectly illustrates the essence of the CHABAD mission.
- It was a cold experience, which became especially warm, - he smiles. - As part of my work as a deputy, I travel a lot. A few months ago I was in Oslo, the capital of Norway. The diplomatic event ended on Friday afternoon, and I couldn't go back home until Saturday. I found myself in a foreign country and, not imagining who to turn to, I thought in alarm: "What should I do on Saturday?"
I managed to contact the Rebbe envoy, Rabbi Shaul Wilhelm. His reaction was instant: "No problem, come to me on Saturday." As a result, after fears of being alone in a foreign country on Saturday, I experienced one of the most special Saturdays in my life. Incredible hospitality, but the rest of the guests struck me the most: Jews of different traditions, people who outwardly you will not suspect in connection with religious life. And suddenly - a sublime meal, songs and words of the Torah until late at night. There I understood the main secret: love for a Jew without any conditions.
What, in your opinion, distinguishes such a mission from other Jewish organizations?
- As I said, two aspects: selflessness and unconditional love. The Rebe messenger accepts any Jew without evaluating him or presenting conditions. In an era when the Jewish people are exhausted and split by constant internal conflicts, it is this acceptance that creates a deep, not a superficial unity. "Like face to face, so heart to heart." At the congress, we heard public opinion research specialist Shlomo Filber, who told about his survey: millions of Jews are happy to respond to the messages of HABAD. This miracle happens thanks to the spirit of the Rebbe, who lives in every messenger.
THE INTEGRITY OF ISRAEL'S LAND: "NOT A POLITICAL TRICK"
The most serious part of Tal's speech - both during the speech and now in the interview - concerned the struggle for the integrity of the Land of Israel. As the chairman of the Religious Zionism faction, Tal sees a direct link between the Rebbe's warnings and the reality on the ground.
At the event, you spoke sharply about the struggle for three "integrities", mentioning the American administration and international pressure.
Look, if we separate even a piece of Israel's Land and give it to the Arabs, it only leads to new murders and bloodshed. Alas, it has already been proven without any doubt. It's not just a matter of faith, it's a reality written by blood. Therefore, Israel must strengthen its sovereignty in all parts of our land - Judea, Samaria, Gaza and Jerusalem.
You recently organized a special trip to Gush Etzion.
Our enemies, with the support of the PA and the EU, are building illegally and seizing large areas of our homeland. This carries a strategic and immediate military threat, and if you remember the words of the Rebbe, it is also a spiritual danger. We fight this through "Avoit Evil" - deterrence, and through "Do Good" - construction and development.
Of course, you have heard the latest statements in the UN and the United States about a "state for Palestinian Arabs" as part of normalization?
I heard, and in my speech at the meeting of envoys I sent a clear signal to our friends in the White House, including Vice President J. D. Vance, who once said that the spread of Israeli sovereignty is a "political trick". I said from the podium: sovereignty is not an empty political trick. Sovereignty is the only way to true peace and stability.
We will never allow the creation of a state for Arabs on the Land of Israel. Israel's security is more important than any individual, even the President of the United States. Settlements will develop with or without it. He can be for, stand aside or, God forbid, against it, but Israel will do what is right for its safety.
IDENTITY CHALLENGE AND REBE'S CALL
As a deputy, do you try to implement the Rebbe's words in such acute issues as the definition of "Jewish identity" or our right to the Land of Israel?
Rebe's providence is amazing. He knows how to anticipate problems decades before others. The main challenge of our generation is the challenge of identity. In an era of abundance, many things seem self-evident, and therefore much is easily lost. Just as Abraham bought the cave of Mahpel in the weekly chapter we read at the congress and made a "deal", showing a deep connection with the earth, so we must unite the people. Rebbe warned: if we do not define "who is a Jew" correctly, if we do not protect our land, we will lose our identity. I try to act in each of my parliamentary initiatives based on these principles: to strengthen Jewish identity and sovereignty.
The current war showed how great the thirst for identity is in society. Soldiers are looking for tsit and "Moshiach's patch", they apply tfilin. We now know the stories of some hostages who knew almost nothing about their Jewish nature, but, standing in front of the terrorists, refused to swear on the Koran. This is the same Jewish force that the Rebe was talking about.
Are you optimistic?
Of course, yes. The messengers continue the epic work started by the Rebbe, they know that the Rebbe is with them and leads them, and nothing can stop them. "The wholeness of the Earth" is not just an idea, it's a vision and reality that is carried out every day. Each of us has a role in this process. I left the congress with the feeling that we are getting closer to complete Liberation. With the help of the power of messengers and the truth of the Torah, we will defeat the darkness and bring Moshiach closer as soon as possible.