[Photos below.] Reb Duvi Honig, the founder of the Learn & Network program, is presently in Eretz Yisroel. The Lakewood resident was invited to meet with the Chareidi members of the Knesset to explain in detail how they can utilize the successful tools of his Learn & Network concept for the benefit of the entire Chareidi community.
Reb Duvi then held an official meeting in Beit Shemesh with the city’s deputy mayor, Reb Shmuly Greenberg. Reb Shmuly was extremely impressed with the Learn & Network concept, especially the idea of bringing together learning, income opportunities and social services under one roof. In fact, Reb Duvi told the Yated that Reb Shmuly will be opening a branch of the Learn & Network program as an official function of the Beit Shemesh municipality. The deputy mayor is also looking forward to sharing with the branches here in the United States any possible networking ideas or opportunities that are raised in Israel.
From Beit Shemesh, Reb Duvi traveled to Bnei Brak to meet with its mayor, Reb Yaakov Asher. On June 21, when Mayor Asher visited Lakewood, Rabbi Aaron Kotler of Bais Medrash Govoah and Lakewood Mayor Reb Menashe Miller enthusiastically described to him the Learn & Network Kollel project and concept. Continuing that discussion, Reb Duvi described the synergy aspect of the program through which all community members can benefit. Together, Reb Duvi and the mayor analyzed how the Learn & Network program can become a reality in Bnei Brak.
Finally, Reb Duvi met with Rav Yisroel Meir Lau, former chief rabbi of Israel and present chief rabbi of Tel Aviv. Rav Lau was very enthused about the Learn & Network effort. He provided Reb Duvi with contact information of various askanim who can establish Learn & Network affiliates in Tel Aviv and other Israeli cities.
See below for photos:
{N. Amdurski-Matzav.com Newscenter}
