(Courtesy of Chabad) At the conclusion of the shiva for Rabbi Zvi Kogan, HY’D, the Chabad shaliach who was brutally targeted and murdered by terrorists in Abu Dhabi, seed funding was announced for 100 new Chabad centers in underserved areas, transforming grief into positive action in response to the recent tragedy.

The major expansion directly embodies the Rebbe’s long standing philosophy of responding to darkness by increasing light. Keren Hashluchim will provide the seed funding for 50 initial centers, with an additional 50 to be announced in the coming months.

“When the most heinous evildoers want us to cower in fear, the Rebbe taught us that strong positive action is the only response,” said Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, director of the International Conference of Shluchim and Keren Hashluchim, “By supporting new centers in locations near and far, we honor Rabbi Kogan’s memory and fulfill the Rebbe’s vision of transforming grief into action.”

This initiative to establish 100 new Chabad centers was one of the last undertaken by Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, ob”m, who was known for his expansive commitments to fulfill the Rebbe’s vision. The commitment is now being realized by his son and successor Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky.

“May the family of Rabbi Kogan, along with the entire Jewish community, find comfort during these difficult times,” said Rabbi Kotlarsky. “Together, we will continue to spread goodness and kindness, and may we only share positive news going forward.”

The Rebbe’s response to past tragedies, such as the Kfar Chabad massacre in 1956, was to urge his followers to redouble their efforts in building Jewish life. This philosophy is being put into practice once again as Chabad extends its presence to new locations.

Among the 50 new shluchim will be several in the local area: Rabbi Mendel and Chana Miriam Marasow at Chabad of Summit, New Jersey; Rabbi Boruch and Chaya Ceitlin at Jewish Riverside Old Greenwich, Connecticut; and Rabbi Shmuli and Rivka Laufer at Chabad of Greenlawn & Centerport, New York.