Rabbi Eliezer Berland remains behind lock and key in Johannesburg after a court denied him bail, referring to him as a flight risk. It now appears likely the rabbi will be handed over to Israel Police in compliance with an extradition request.
Migdal HaEmek Chief Rabbi HaRav Yitzchok Dovid Grossman left Eretz Yisrael on Sunday night the eve of 24 Nissan, heading to S. Africa to assist Rabbi Berland. It is reported he views the situation as one of ‘pidyon shvuyim’. Rav Grossman maintains good ties with the local Jewish community and its Chief Rabbi, Rabbi Ze’ev Goldstein and it is reported Rav Grossman will try to calm the situation between the local community and Rabbi Berland, which some report has contributed to the court refusing him bail.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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5 Responses
In case any of you are thinking “Let the legal system work and let Rav Berland face the charges,” know that 1) there are NO charges, just accusations that were made by women who were either connected to enemies of Rav Berland or who out and out lied (and people close in know this directly); 2) this issue is not what the Israelis want him for or whether he’s guilty or not of any crimes, but rather a HUMANITARIAN issue – the man is almost 80 years old and had just come out of the hospital due to heart issues when Interpol arrested him and he is incarcerated in a prison that is a match or worse than the Japanese jail the three boys were incarcerated in AND he is being denied his medication and apparently also food, at least over Pesach. That, my friends, is a humanitarian issue, not a legal or moral issue. 3) Rav Berland’s supporters have offered to pay for 24 hour guard service and an electronic bracelet, so the flight risk thing is just show.
Isn’t it ironic that this week’s parshah says, “v’Lo sa’amod al dam rei’echa – don’t stand idly by your neighbor’s blood.” (Kedoshim 19:16)
Last, here is what I wrote to someone in publishing who wrote me about the Jewish press’s reticence to support Rav Berland’s case. I stand behind it and it applies, in my mind, to anyone who “doesn’t want to get involved.”
If he dies they will have blood on tbeir hands. It is incomprehensible that frum yidden would condone ANY prisoner being denied food and medicine. Rav berland is not a convicted anything. He was accused by women who were put up to making the allegations. One mentally unstable. The only reason he left israel was to avoid being held in a prison that has held other rabbanim who were mysteriously diagnosed with the machala and soon after died.
Again, the community there may be listening to their daas torah but unfortunately i think they are misguided.
No one deserves to be treated this way. The followers are willing to pay for security and an electronic bracelet if they would allow house arrest. All this fuss over ridiculous and false allegations.
I feel sorry for the commu ity there if they turn their backs on this….
Did we accept many German’s claim that they were just following orders as an excuse for what they did?
Sigh.
The fact that he skipped bail numerous times is the reason, not internal community issues.
The only thing that “contributed” to his bail denial was the fact that he is a flight risk. He is the poster child for flight risk.
Two peas in a pod!
This support really casts a dark shadow over his innocence claim.
Please daven for this tzadik to get returned home healthy & free from our enemies who want to destroy every frum kehila