Abuja Nigeria

In 2015, Rabbi Uzan and his family moved to Abuja, the capital of Nigeria. With no reliable source of electricity or running water, everything was a challenge!

His first project was building a Mikvah (Remember: no electricity or running water to rely on!). By 2016, the first Mikvah was built in West Africa. It became a cornerstone for the small Jewish community, who would not travel abroad.

With an established Mikvah, Rabbi Uzan set up Jewish infrastructure: a Kosher grocery, Shabbos and Yom Tov programs, a day school, an after school program, a teen club, as well as shiurim and education for men and women. With no other entertainment, sports or theaters around in this backward country, Jews participated wholeheartedly. With the programs growth, Rabbi Uzan opened a second Chabad House in Lagos, and set up Yom Tov programs in many other cities around the country.

However, the beautiful Mikvah was dismantled by the Nigerian government after a disagreement with the property owner. Left devoid of this integral part of the community’s commitment to Taharas Hamishpacha, a heartbroken Rabbi Uzan sprang into action. He reached out to Mikvah Tahara Association to help him fund the super quick construction of a new Mikvah. With the rainy season underway, the Mikvah needs to be ready on time, lest they wait another full year until the Mikvah can open.

With construction underway, there will once again be a Mikvah in this African country.