Remembering Rabbi Eckstein
On this day we join millions around the world in remembering Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, the dynamic Founder & President of IFCJ.
Rabbi Eckstein at the opening ceremony of the new Chamah medical center in Russia and his remarks for our Annual Gala Dinner a few years back
February 6, 2019 -- 1 Adar I 5779: The world was shaken by the untimely tragic passing of Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein. Yechiel Eckstein, a giant of a man in stature and deed, a gentle and compassionate man, well earned his place as one of the foremost Jewish leaders of our times. He achieved what was deemed impossible: building a bridge of tolerance between Christian and Jews, which resulted in the well-being and security for many Jews in Israel. With his vision, his wisdom and his altruism he sustained millions with his life-saving programs the world over.
While others shook their heads in despair, Yechiel Eckstein, an ordained Orthodox Rabbi, took action: he saved thousands of lives by building life-saving portable bomb shelters for Jews under attack in Israel, airlifting nearly a million Ukrainian Jews to Israel, re-settling and sustaining them, and the list goes on and on.
Twenty one years ago he took a personal interest in the humanitarian work of Chamah, and became a major supporter of their programs for the needy and elderly in Russia. He founded our Medical & Rehabilitation Center in Moscow—named the Fellowship House—and dedicated, together with his brother Berel, a Torah Scroll in loving memory of their father, Simon, OBM which he donated to the Chamah Synagogue in Moscow. He was Guest of Honor at many of the Chamah Gala's, encouraging the guests with his passion for humanitarian work and delighting us with singing for us some songs on his guitar.
Throughout their years of working together, Rabbi Hillel Zaltzman, President of Chamah, forged a warm, personal friendship with Rabbi Eckstein. “A great tragedy has befallen Am Yisrael,” Rabbi Zaltzman said, “and I feel like I have lost my best friend.”
Rabbi Eckstein’s greatest pride and joy was his family. His daughters, Yael, Tamar and Talia and his eight grandchildren.
There is surely a special place in Gan Eden for one who saved millions of lives and dedicated his life to sustaining the needy and forgotten of Am Yisrael.
יהי זכרו ברכה
May his memory be a blessing for us all
Chamah Medical Center in Russia
