Prime Minister Mike Eman, who returned to office on March 28 after an eight-year break, reaffirmed his deep connection to Aruba’s Jewish community during a recent meeting with Rabbi Ahron Blasberg, co-director of the Chabad-Lubavitch Jewish Center of Aruba.
Eman, who served as Aruba’s third prime minister from 2009 to 2017 and is among a small circle of Jewish heads of government worldwide, has long supported Chabad’s presence on the island. In 2013, shortly after Rabbi Ahron and Chaya Blasberg established the Jewish Center, he welcomed them and encouraged their mission.
During the latest visit, Rabbi Blasberg entered the prime minister’s office with a mezuzah, tefillin, and a shofar. He sounded the shofar in preparation for Rosh Hashanah, assisted the prime minister in donning tefillin, and discussed the spiritual opportunities the High Holidays offer.
Together, they affixed what may be the only mezuzah on a prime minister’s office outside of Israel—an act symbolizing the growing Jewish life in Aruba.
Eman also expressed enthusiasm about new developments, including Aruba’s first upscale kosher restaurant and the arrival of Rabbi Levi and Mimi Bisk to further support the community. He pledged his ongoing support for Jewish initiatives and highlighted Aruba as a safe and welcoming place for both Jewish residents and visitors.
“From the very beginning, Prime Minister Eman has welcomed and supported Chabad-Lubavitch in Aruba,” said Rabbi Blasberg. “His open Jewish identity and leadership continue to inspire confidence in our growing community.”
Photo Credits: https://crownheights.info/chabad-news/920249/arubas-jewish-prime-minister-prepares-to-meet-the-king/
