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Rebbetzin Basya Kalmenson, Founder of Chne-Or in France, Dies at 95

Mourners in Paris paid respects ahead of Wednesday’s burial on Jerusalem’s Mount of Olives.

Overview

  • She co-founded the Chne-Or Educational Center in Aubervilliers with her husband, building it from about 15 students into a network serving nearly 700 from preschool through high school.
  • A Paris levaya was held, and the aron will be flown to Israel for a 2:00 p.m. service at Shamgar on Wednesday, followed by burial at Har HaZeisim near her late husband.
  • Known for hands-on dedication, she even obtained a truck driver’s license to transport students from distant neighborhoods.
  • Born in Lubavitch, she and her family fled to Samarkand during World War II, later settling in France as Chabad emissaries devoted to Jewish education.
  • She is survived by nine children and siblings with families in France, the United States, Italy, Australia and Israel.