Rabbi Dovid Okunov Memorial Site

The Public Address of the Lubavitcher Rebbe

Click here to listen to the public address of the Lubavitcher Rebbe #Part 1
Click here to listen to the public address of the Lubavitcher Rebbe #Part 2

"In connection with the terrible event that took place last week (the murder of Rabbi David Okunov), it is appropriate that we connect it with Torah. We should establish a new Torah institution, a 'Yeshiva over his grave.' It would be especially appropriate that the new institution be dedicated to helping those who recently came from Russia. This farbrengen and this new institution will bring the greatest pleasure to the soul of the departed and bring it to the highest spiritual state of elevation as it stands together with the Rebbeim. This will bring about a great increase in Torah study and will be connected with open and manifest good. Not hidden good, but a good that we can perceive with our own eyes, even while in Galus." Read the public address of the Lubavitcher Rebbe

Click here to read the public address of the Lubavitcher Rebbe (PDF, Hebrew)

On Motzei Shabbos Parshas Noach 5740-1980, the Rebbe held a public gathering (Farbrangen) at the Lubavitch world Headquarters, commemorating the tragic incident that took place during that week.

At the Farbrengen those present noticed the Rebbe crying bitterly. The Rebbe expressed how someone sacrificed all his life in Russia and managed to come to the free world - and gets killed for doing a Mitzvah!!

The Rebbe then initiated the dedication of a special institution in memory of Reb Dovid, which the Rebbe suggested that the name be “Ohel Dovid” primarily for children of the soviet union should have a Jewish day school dedicated to serving their needs, which is a most befitting tribute to Rabbi Dovid Okunov for he is from the Soviet Union.

Today thousands of children passed through the doors of “Yeshivas Ohel Dovid – Lubavitch” under the auspices of the national headquarters of Fiends of Refugees of Eastern Europe. For more information, or if you would like to register a child please call 718-467-0860 or email Education@russianJewry.org.