BREST, BELARUS – A ceremony to officially launch a series of celebrations around the world marking prime minister Menachem Begin’s 100th birthday took place in Begin’s hometown of Brest Tuesday afternoon.The commemoration was organized by Limmud FSU and the Menachem Begin Heritage Center, and took place in front of the school Begin attended as a child.“We are very proud that we had the opportunity to open the events for Menachem Begin all over the world here in his hometown in Brest,” said Chaim Chesler, founder of Limmud FSU.“Begin is not only the most famous Jew to come out of Brest, but probably the most famous resident to ever live in the city,” he said.Begin was born in the small city on August 16, 1913. He was the sixth prime minister of the State of Israel and served in that position from 1977 to 1983. He was also the founder of the Likud party.In 1978, Begin was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for making peace with Egypt as part of the Camp David Accords.“The Jewish community of Brest honored today one of its most famous sons in a very emotional and touching event,” said Herzl Makov, head of the Menachem Begin Heritage Center.“I think it is only natural that we launch these series of events honoring the 100th birthday of Begin in the city where he was born and where he began his so illustrious career.”Participants at the ceremonies included roughly 100 members of the local Jewish community, a delegation from Limmud FSU and representatives from the Menachem Begin Heritage Center in Jerusalem.Before the Holocaust 26,000 Jews resided in Brest, but only 19 survived the war. Presently, 200 Jews inhabit the city.The memorable event was part of the Limmud FSU Festival that took place this entire week in Vitebsk, Belarus.
