Philanthropists Debbie and Michael Flacks Contribute $5 Million to Colel Chabad’s New Hospitality Center

One year after Oct-7 attacks, Ten-Story “Tower of Kindness” to be Built in Heart of Jerusalem

Jerusalem, Israel – Nearly one year after the tragic Simchat Torah terrorist attack of Oct. 7, noted philanthropists Debbie and Michael Flacks generously give a $5 million gift to Colel Chabad, Israel’s oldest and largest charitable organization, to erect a new center dedicated to promoting community service and acts of kindness. The 10-story “Flacks Chessed Tower,” will be located in the heart of Jerusalem next to the Machaneh Yehudah market.

“We created this space as a hub for inclusion, education and acts of kindness, ushering in a new era of hospitality and communal activism for Colel Chabad.,” said Rabbi Zalman Duchman, development director of Colel Chabad. “The Lubavitcher Rebbe taught that a little light counteracts much darkness. Our response to the senseless acts of terror on our fellow Jews, is to build a center dedicated toward spreading kindness, good deeds and taking care of our fellow Jews.” 

From an art studio and soup kitchen, to a synagogue and housing center, this Chesed Tower will expand Colel Chabad’s impact by creating a center for creativity, comfort and community in Israel’s capital city. The building will be named for its sponsors, Debbie and Michael Flacks, who have long been a pivotal force of philanthropy in Israel. Some of their projects include The Flacks Supermarket in Beitar opened in 2005 as well as supporting many of Colel Chabad’s many charitable activities, most notably Colel Chabad’s nutrition support programs and Orphans programs. The Chesed tower marks a new phase of that partnership. 

“These trying times call for us to increase our efforts and recommit ourselves to helping those less fortunate than us,” said Michael Flacks. “This Chesed Tower will not only physically sustain, but nurture the spirits of the entire community.”

Colel Chabad is Israel’s oldest continually operating charity, and has been a major humanitarian organization  in recent years. In continuous operation since 1788, Colel Chabad feeds Israel’s vulnerable populations including widows, holocaust survivors, and low-income families. Since October 7th, Colel Chabad has assisted over 100,000 displaced individuals from Israel’s south by providing them with food, clothing, and other basic essentials. 

Rabbi Sholom Duchman, executive director of Colel Chabad, noted the many philanthropic endeavors in Israel, Europe and the United States spearheaded by Debbie and Michael Flacks. “We treasure our longtime partnership with the Flacks Family, and are thrilled to usher in a new phase of chesed in Israel, with the Chesed Tower.”