It was during the IDF’s Operation Pillar of Defense counter-terrorism offensive in Gaza that Chabad Shaliach to India Rabbi Baruch Sharf was injured and his rebitzen killed HY”D. A rocket that landed in Kiryat Malachi killed Rebitzen Mira along with Yitzchak Amsellem HY”D, 24, from the Krayot region and Aaron Smadja HY”D. The rav’s children were injured, burned in the attack as well.

The seriously wounded shaliach was released from Tel Hashomer Hospital in Kislev 5773 and then moved to the home of his parents in Betar Illit to continue his recuperation and therapy.

Now, nine months later, the shaliach has overcome his tremendous nisayon and he is heading back to New Delhi to continue his shlichus. Rav Sharf feels that with Tishrei upon us he cannot permit himself to remain in Eretz Yisrael because so much work remains to be done in New Delhi. He reached his decision despite advice to the contrary from social workers and psychologists who have been working with the children, for they feel it is too soon after the tragic loss of their mother and their own injuries. For the rav he is mission driven and not only does he plan to return to his life’s work, he hopes to establish a new Chabad house, Beis Mira.

Sharf returned from a pilot trip to India earlier this week as he tried to set his return into place and evaluate the situation there after the long hiatus of activities. It must be mentioned that following the rocket attack, Rabbi Akiva and Rebitzen Mushka Sudri have been keeping the New Delhi Chabad House running.

During Rabbi Sharf’s brief visit to India this week he met with Israel’s Consul General Eyal Siso and discussed his plans to establish Beit Mira in the coming years. Rav Sharf feels the most appropriate response to the events he and the family endured is to increase his work and continue on the Rebbe’s ZT”L mission to spread Torah around the world.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)