Travel advisories and other warnings will not deter Chabad shlichim around the world, who are busying themselves with preparations for the Yomim Tovim. In some of the more distant locations, areas that attract many an Israeli hiker, the shlichim are doing their utmost to attract some of the lost yidden to shul to hear the shofar and experience Rosh Hashanah.

Many Israeli after completing compulsory military service opt to travel to India and other countries, exploring their roots and ‘unwinding’ from the stresses of life in Israel and the military.

Chabad is there and this year especially, there is a need to address security concerns as Israel’s Counter-Terrorism Bureau continues to warn Israelis and Jews around the world against a planned Hizbullah attack.

Thailand is one of the places specified in recent terror alerts, prompting Israeli security officials to confer with Chabad shlichim in that area to assist in assuring the Rosh Hashanah passes without incident. At present, 5,000 Israelis in Thailand have registered to spend Rosh Hashanah in a Chabad setting. Ironically, many of the secular Israelis who would never enter a shul in Eretz Yisrael do seek their Jewish identity when hiking abroad.

Thailand shaliach Rav Aaron Solomon states that Baruch Hashem, the impressive number shows the Jews are not afraid and they are coming out openly to identify and experience Rosh Hashanah.

Despite the optimism, the shlichim are meeting this week with Israel Defense Ministry representatives who will do their best to prepare them for any scenario. Local police are also expected to provide extra security during the Yomim Tovim.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)