It was indeed a Kiddush Hashem to see the top leadership and higher echelons of the Israeli government attend the wedding of the daughter of President of the Jewish Communities in the Former Soviet Union (FJC), Levi Leviev, Chagit and her choson Gavriel Soviev at the David Intercontinental Hotel in Tel Aviv Monday night. Besides government officials and politicians many rabbis and shluchim also attended.

Rabbi Moshe Yehuda Leib Landau, Chief Rabbi of Bnei Brak was honored with "sidur kidushin." It had all the trappings of a Lubavicher wedding including all guests standing while the Rebbe's letter was read.

Israeli President Shimon Peres was present and was invited to address the crowd. He surprised everyone with his words of praise of Mr. Leviev , Ohr Avner and the shluchim for their activities in the former Soviet Union.

"I am very grateful to you Mr. Leviev for your educational activities in the former Soviet Union and in the world over. These activities are unprecedented and unparalleled," he said.

Former prime minister Benjamin netanyahu also spoke and greeted the bride and groom. He also was full of praise of Mr. Leviev's efforts in the former Soviet Union. "We are speaking of youth who are on the verge of assimilation, a spiritual holocaust, and the schools that are funded by Mr. Leviev are indeed a lifeline that rescue them.

Also attending the wedding were Israeli Chief Rabbi Shlomo Amar, former Chief Rabbi Israel Meir Lau, the Rebbe's secretaries Rabbis Groner and Klein as well as vice-chairman of the Merkoz Leinyonei Chinuch, Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky.

Among the politicians and public figures that attended one could see Trade Minister and Shas leader Eli Yishai, Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz, Communications Minister Ariel Atias, Absorption Minister Ze'ev Boim, MK Efi Eitam, MK Limor Livnat, Head of the Jewish Agency Zev Belsky. THere were also business tycoons who assist the shluchim all over like Ginady Bogolobov, Zania Swidler, Edwardo Elstien, Alan Green and others. Avraham Fried performed throughout the wedding. 

It was indeed a Kiddush Hashem and uplifting to see the higher echelons of the government and top business tycoons dance together with the shluchim at the sincha of the man who is responsible for the spiritual revolution in the former Soviet Union.