Families Slept in Chabad Santiago During Chile Protests

Some 50 people arrived at Chabad in Chile with sleeping bags for Simchas Torah out of fear of walking home during the widespread street protests that turned violent, a local resident told COLlive.com. Full Story, Video

October 29, 2019 – 30 Tishri 5780

By COLlive reporter

A national emergency was declared by Chilean President Sebastián Piñera after over a million people marched against the government in the capital Santiago decrying economic inequality.

At least 20 people have been killed since rioting broke out in response to a four percent rise in subway fares earlier this month, the Independent reported.

Protesters have been calling for improved pay, pensions, schools, housing and medical care, among other demands, with many arguing that Chile’s wealthy have grown richer while poorer people struggle, it was reported.

As curfew was declared, to celebrate Shmini Atzeres and Simchas Torah last week, over 50 people came with sleeping bags to Jabad Lubavitch de Chile, the Chabad center in Santiago, led by longtime Shluchim Rabbi Menashe and Chaya Perman. They included men, women and children who were not allowed to walk home following davening and meals.

“They were 2 strange and special days of Yom Tov,” M. B., a congregant, told COLlive.com. He said that “riots, military, policemen, small fires and helicopters were outside, no more than 200 meters from the Beis Chabad.”

Despite that, he said the crowd inside Chabad continued with the festivities celebrating the conclusion of the annual Torah reading. “We made kiddush, danced hakofos and farbrenged until late at night,” he said.

“That was something the Rebbe absolutely wanted every Jew to do,” he said, noting that while the country was not celebrating, the Chabad community had mesiras nefesh to ensure that Chile had a celebration for Yom Tov, thanks to the teachings of the Shluchim there, who “with dedication have built a small, but very strong, community,” he added.

“These are tough moments for the country and also for the Chilean Jews,” he said. “Still, we are committed to the teaching of ‘Lechatchila Ariber!'”

He said Chabad Chile is struggling to cover their expenses and could use donations from the wider public to help increase their vital contribution to Jewish life in the country. Click here to donate.

VIDEO: Chile protests: Violent clashes rock Santiago after massive anti-government rally