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Chabad of South Florida has achieved what can only be described as an incredible success, uniting local communities, schools, and Chabad houses in an unprecedented display of Achdus and Jewish pride. This collaboration resulted in a remarkable day of fun and celebration for the Jewish community of South Florida in Hialeah a city in Miami that has not had a synagogue since the 1950s, and has never seen so many Jews of all types in one day. Following the directives of the Rebbe, Rabbi Benjy Korf inspired and guided a dedicated team of Shluchim to create an event the likes of which South Florida had never seen. “The Rebbe referred to Miami as the ‘Yerushalayim of Chutz Laaretz,’ and it was essential to exemplify this vision,” Rabbi Korf explained. With the assistance of Rabbi Mendy Weiss of Hialeah, communications were established with mayors, commissioners, and community organizers, culminating in the largest Jewish unity gathering in South Florida history. Rabbi Zash Itkin, Rabbi Pinny Andrusier, and Rabbi Shmuli Gutnik, all with tremendous talents, connections, and genuine dedication to the Rebbe’s inyanim, hit the pavement running. The galvanized team set goals and reached them at every juncture. In the spirit of the Rebbe’s parade, schools from near and far prepared floats and displays celebrating Jewish unity. Dubbed the “Great Parade,” the event saw extraordinary efforts from schools and students alike. These beautiful floats, hand-crafted by volunteer high school boys and girls from several local Jewish day schools and Yeshivas, featured Mitzvah themes encouraging acts of goodness and kindness to hasten the coming of Moshiach. The Jewish Unity Great Parade featured over 25 unique floats and presentations. Marching bands from various schools and shuls had the crowd moving to the beat, creating an atmosphere of joy and togetherness. Rabbi Zash Itkin, MC of the event, delighted the crowd with his commentary on each float, adding to the festive atmosphere. Select children from local schools also took turns on stage to say the 12 Pesukim. To open the event, Tehillim was recited for the well-being and safe return of the hostages taken in the October 7 attack in Eretz Yisroel. Led by two survivors of the Nova concert in southern Israel, it was moving and powerful. Tefilos were also said for the brave IDF soldiers fighting to protect the people of Eretz Yisroel, with a special Mi Shebeyrach for the soldiers led by renowned Chazzan Aryeh Hurwitz. Additional Tefilos were said, and the parade was dedicated on behalf of Florida’s Regional Director of Chabad, Rabbi Abraham Korf, and Merkos Chairman and chief advocate of Chabad rabbis worldwide, Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, both of whom are in need of blessings for good health and a complete and speedy recovery. The featured performances were headlined by Benny Friedman and Uncle Moishy, which captivated the audience. Culminating the performances was world-renowned Bello Nock. Bello’s death-defying acrobatic act, rising up with his feet in the air, mesmerized everyone in attendance. The conclusion of the parade led the crowd to the fairgrounds, where countless rides and activities awaited families with children of all ages. Free entry, t-shirts, sunscreen, and unlimited ice-cold water on a record Hit day of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, ensured a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all attendees. The carnival featured more than 40 mechanical amusement rides, including roller coasters, carousels, and giant slides, providing unending fun at no charge to the community. A sumptuous BBQ provided a delectable lunch, allowing everyone to savor the full-day experience. In traditional fashion, the Lag BaOmer bonfire was lit to the cheering of all, adding a spectacular element to the extraordinary celebration. Police and park rangers estimate that over 15,000 people attended this extraordinary event, a testament to the hard work and dedication of all involved. Special thanks are due to the Shluchim and community leaders who played crucial roles in making this event a resounding success. They worked day and night in a short period of time, with many miracles involved, proving that teamwork, achdus and Ahavas Yisroel create miracles and simply made it happen at the highest level.
