One of the final stops of Keren Olam HaTorah’s historic campaign took place in Toronto, where thousands gathered to greet the delegation of Gedolei Yisroel and leading askanim who had traversed North America on behalf of Torah in Eretz Yisroel.

Arriving in the early morning, the delegation included Harav Moshe Hillel Hirsch shlit”a, Harav Dovid Cohen shlit”a, Harav Malkiel Kotler shlit”a, and Harav Yosef Chevroni shlit”a, accompanied by renowned baalei tzedakah R’ Reuven Wolf, R’ Shimon Glick, R’ Baruch Jeremias, and R’ Yitzchok Rokowsky.

Their first stop was at the home of R’ Ariel Mashiyev, whose unsolicited generosity to the Keren in past years was noted as a remarkable display of initiative and devotion to Torah. From there, the Gedolim continued to the home of R’ Shimshi Gross, where Harav Dovid Cohen delivered divrei chizuk, invoking the Chazal which explains that in yemos hamashiach, only Torah will serve as a refuge amidst gezeiros and challenges. Attendees were addressed by a special video message from the venerated mashgiach, Harav Don Segal shlit”a. 

The delegation then visited the homes of R’ Benzion Heitner, R’ Dennis Cohen, and R’ Yaakov Kaplan. At each stop, the Gedolim expressed gratitude to the tomchim and gave brachos, underscoring the eternal partnership created when hosts honor Torah by welcoming talmidei chachamim into their homes. 

At another meeting in the home of R’ Beri Reichmann, Harav Moshe Hillel Hirsch cited the Midrash that Torah is acquired only through mesirus nefesh. He explained that just as Yissachar sacrifices to learn, Zevulun sacrifices to give beyond measure — both acts being equal expressions of devotion to Kavod Shamayim. 

The final private gathering in Toronto took place at the home of R’ Bentzi Friedman, where the Gedolim continued to encourage support for Keren Olam Hatorah.

The visit to the city concluded with a massive community asifah, drawing thousands. Harav Moshe Hillel Hirsch called upon the crowd to rise up to ensure that Torah in Eretz Yisroel never falters. Harav Dovid Cohen reminded attendees that Torah and chessed are the keys to being spared from chevlei mashiach, promising that those who strengthen Torah will be zocheh to see the geulah. The evening closed with a stirring drasha from Harav Ephraim Wachsman shlit”a.