Over 40,000 Jews from throughout France gathered at an
enormous site on the eastern end of Paris for Torah Day,
where various organizations were presented and speeches given
to reach out to the French Jewish community and strengthen
and preserve ties.
The huge and unique event was only held eight years after the
last Torah Day in France because the task of planning and
logistics is so enormous — from arranging for a
suitable site to coordinating with the numerous organizations
that took part.
The event, which is not aimed at the chareidi community, is
unique to France. Booths included shatnez testing,
shemiras Shabbos, the general kehilloh of Paris
with its various religious and community services, chareidi
monthly Kountrass and various tzedokoh
organizations.
The event was held from morning to night and received
extensive coverage in the French press. HaRav Yaakov Galinsky
and various other rabbonim and public figures came to show
their support.
The special day was organized by French Chief Rabbi Yosef
Sitruk, who was personally involved in each and every detail
and delivered a powerful closing speech.