For more than 72 years, under\nthe leadership and guidance of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M.\nSchneerson, Chabad Lubavitch of France has created and maintains a vast network\nof institutions: Chabad Houses, Jewish day\nschools, synagogues, community centers and summer camps as well as services for\nthe sick and needy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Our educational and cultural programs and services in France and North\nAfrica began soon after the end of WWII. They consisted both of economic and\nsocial services with special emphasis on religious and cultural education. Our\nnetwork of schools in North Africa and France had grown to approximately 20,000\nchildren (Morocco alone had 10,000).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With the influx of immigration from Morocco, Tunisia, Algiers and Egypt,\nthe Jewish population of France has grown considerably, and at present numbers\nabout 600,000, with Jews from Ashkenazic and Sephardic origin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The demographic change has also shifted greater attention to the\ncultural and social needs of the Jewish community in France. It should be noted\nthat many of the Jews living in France today are first and second generation\nNorth African Jews, who had been beneficiaries, in one way or another, of the\nprograms and services which Lubavitch was able to provide, largely with the\ncooperation and support of the American Joint Distribution Committee (AJDC).\nCooperation and support of the JDC for the work of Lubavitch goes back to post\nWorld War One, in Russia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Throughout the past 72 years Lubavitch has been a leading force within\nthe Jewish community in France and has been at the forefront of rebuilding the\nJewish communities throughout France.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Catering to the broad range of needs that arise in any Jewish community,\nfrom the small ones in isolated and often distant places, to those in bustling metropolises.\nThere are more than 200 Chabad centers and Institutions throughout the country.\nLubavitch is the largest Jewish outreach and educational organization in France\nwith a total of over 15,000 children enrolled in our Day Schools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lubavitch welcomes and provides much needed guidance and assistance to\nall Jews regardless of background and affiliation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The present political situation in France is difficult. Anti-Semitic\nacts and statements encouraging anti-Semitism have become routine. The Jewish\ncommunity is struggling to overcome this terrible burden. Lubavitch is there to\nreassure, encourage and reinforce the conviction required to continue leading a\nnormal life with a multitude of programs and activities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The needs are constantly growing\nand we look forward to accomplishing this sacred work and answering the\nchallenge. Through the generosity of World Jewry, we are able to accomplish\nthis vital task of ensuring the continuity and the future of European Jewry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n