A Royal Journey

(arriving in New York)

Translation of extracts from a diary kept by Rabbi Shimon Glitzenstein of the visit to the Holy Land by the late Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Joseph Isaac Schneersohn in Tammuz/Av 5689(1929)

Tuesday 29th Tammuz (5689)

"The Rebbe arrived at 4 pm at Alexandria on his way to Eretz Yisroel. At the instigation of Senator Sir Joseph de Figato Bey the immigration authorities were instructed to facilitate the Rebbe's entry into Egypt and his continuing journey to Eretz Yisroel in every possible way. A government launch carried the Chief Rabbi's representative, Rabbi Daniel Gaon, to the ship before it docked to greet and welcome the Rebbe in the name of the Rabbinate and the Jewish community of Alexandria.

A group representing the Toras Emes Yeshivah and Kolel Chabad came from Jerusalem to receive the Rebbe. The Rebbe stayed at the Hotel Regina Palace - Room 29. Food was sent to the Rebbe by his relation Rabbi Zvi Arye Schneersohn.

In the evening many representatives of the Jewish community, including Sir Joseph de Figato, called on the Rebbe. The Rebbe showed great interest in the situation of Alexandria Jews and requested that those present undertake to establish a Yeshivah in Alexandria. He was very pleased to hear from Rabbi Joseph Halevi that there was a Beis Hamedrash with set times for learning."

(From "Challenge", an encounter with Lubavitch-Chabad in Israel, 1973)

A Dear friend came up with the idea of bringing excerpts of the diary every day, especially since the days of week correspond to the days of the trip.