The Saada family, struck by horrific tragedy this past weekend, shared the following message with YWN on Wednesday:

Our family will never forget the incredible kindness and compassion shown by the Rebbe of Chernobyl during one of the most devastating moments of our lives. At 3:30 AM this morning (Wednesday), the Rebbe arrived at the airport to personally console and strengthen my dear relative, Rabbi Tzadka Yeshuah Saada, following the tragic and shocking accident in Brooklyn that shook our family to its core.

The Rebbe’s words were more than just comforting; they were a lifeline of faith and hope. He shared with us a deeply touching story about the revered Rabbi Tzvi of Rymanov, zichrono livracha. The wife of Rabbi Tzvi, who together endured the heartbreaking loss of several children, once expressed her pain to him, lamenting that while he could work miracles for others, he could not save their own children. Rabbi Tzvi responded to her anguish with wisdom that resonates through the generations. He explained that, just as our forefather Abraham, in preparing to sacrifice his son Isaac, chose not to pray for his son’s rescue but rather to ensure that the merit of his sacrifice would benefit future generations, he too saw the greater good in allowing his struggles to stand as a source of spiritual strength for the people of Israel.

The Rebbe’s ability to connect this profound teaching to our current pain brought us immense comfort. It reminded us that even in our darkest moments, there is meaning, purpose, and a greater good beyond our understanding.

As a family, we cannot adequately express how grateful we are to the Rebbe for this extraordinary gesture of care and empathy. His presence and words gave us the strength to face the road ahead. We returned to the United States with hearts a little lighter, knowing that such an incredible tzaddik stood by us in our time of need.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)