A special l’chaim celebration was held Sunday evening at the home of the Satmar Rebbe in Kiryas Joel to mark a major $3.5 million contribution from philanthropist Mr. Chananya Yom Tov Lipa Shalom Friedman toward the expansion of Satmar’s educational institutions in the community.

The donation will help advance construction of the massive educational complex currently being built in Kiryas Yoel, known as the “Binyan Yoel Landau.” The project’s founding gift of $5 million was previously provided by philanthropist Mr. Yoily Landau, one of Satmar’s leading benefactors.

As part of the latest contribution, Mr. Lipa Friedman acquired the naming rights to the dining hall of the new building, which will be dedicated in honor of his father, the legendary longtime Satmar mashbak, Rav Moshe Friedman, affectionately known throughout the community as “Rav Moshe Gabbai.” The facility will be named “Heichal Moshe Friedman Mashbak.”

The donation also includes naming rights for the broader Satmar educational campus located on Larkin Drive, where more than 2,000 students currently study and where additional educational buildings are expected to be constructed in the future. The campus will now be known as “Shichun Moshe Friedman Mashbak – Moshe Gabba Drive,” honoring Rav Moshe Friedman’s decades of dedication and service to Satmar and to the development of Kiryas Yoel.

The entire $3.5 million donation was formally presented during the gathering at the Rebbe’s table and was designated for immediate use toward the continued growth, maintenance, and expansion of the Torah and educational institutions serving the community.

Among those in attendance were the Satmar Av Beis Din of Yerushalayim, the Sighet Av Beis Din, and Rav Moshe Friedman himself, who delivered emotional remarks. Also present was Yoily Landau.

Senior leaders of the Kiryas Yoel institutions participated as well, including philanthropist Mr. Mendel Shoymer, who serves as head of the community and its institutions. Other major supporters and benefactors joined the event alongside administrators responsible for overseeing the educational network.

During the gathering, Moshe Eliyahu Ostreicher, one of the senior institutional directors, addressed attendees and expressed the administration’s gratitude to Mr. Friedman for his substantial support.

Members of the Satmar community noted that the donation adds to a long list of educational and communal projects supported by Mr. Friedman over the years. In particular, he has played a significant role in strengthening Satmar institutions in Boro Park, where he is regarded as one of the key pillars of their continued development.

At the conclusion of the event, the Satmar Rebbe offered special blessings to Mr. Friedman and his family, wishing them continued success in their efforts on behalf of Torah, chinuch, and the growth of Satmar institutions, together with abundant blessing and nachas.

{Matzav.com}