Rabbi Eliezer Berland was detained by authorities in Zimbabwe for about two hours and released. According to reports, Zimbabwe local police detained the rabbi for visa inspections after he has been in the country for about two months. While the rav was released from custody, it appears his visa has expired and he will soon be compelled to leave that country.
Breslov officials quoted by a number of chareidi news sources called on the tzibur to recite “Tikun Klalli” on the rav’s behalf.
Kol Berama Radio reported on Tuesday morning 8 Nissan that Rav Berland has been instructed to leave the country.
Rabbi Berland’s travels began when he fled Israel around 18 months ago to avoid arrest amid accusations of law-breaking. He first set up shop in Morocco, where he was for seven months until being instructed to leave. He then chose Zimbabwe as his new home, where has remained until now.
Prior to Purim, YWN had reported that Rabbi Berland instructed his talmidim to be mispallel for him as he plans on returning to Israel. He remained in Zimbabwe on Purim, where 150 of his Chassidim joined him.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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6 Responses
There are now about 300 talmidim joining the Rav for Pesach and are now looking for arrangements in Johannesburg instead of Zimbabwe
He should have a yeshua.
The allegations against him must be cleared up. his troubles in Zimbabwe began after he had a big Purim thing. I don’t think it’s good that the authorities find out what a public figure he is. A country will not keep a public figure in their country with criminal accusations, they don’t want to become a refuge. His presence has to be with a low profile. 300 people coming to him in Johannesburg is asking for trouble again.
Why does YWn continuously glorify this pig
What did you want YWN should do?
lie to the people that he got convicted on this. It’s Accusations, but you rush to call him with that name. Shame on you! It’s a greater sin to lie and to call another Jew with the title you use, than facing accusations that are unproven true. Don’t rush to judge, and always give the benefit of doubt to Any Jew no matter who.
I was not and am not a follower of Rabbi Berland or his talmidim. however, on april 2 I flew to Zambia, and that is the same plane that goes to harare, zimbabwe[ telaviv- addis abbaba- harare, zimbabwe then lusaka , zambia. There were 40 men women and children going to hm in zimbabwe. they were all israeli, some former americans, almost all baalei teshuva, and for the most part pretty aidel and friendly people. a few were dressed with those head covering black shawls, but most look normal, and acted just fine, yesterday, on return on the same routhe, there were also a large crowd coming home for pesach. they said there were problems but did not elaborate. He supposedly found a major gold deposit in Bulwayo, and his followers have some good equipment. I don’t know why they dont register properly and continue there.