In a rare move, the Kalever Rebbe Shlita spoke with the media, granting an interview with Kikar Shabbat.
The Rebbe this week met with Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat, a meeting that was reported in the secular media and the chareidi media after a small group of chareidi males targeted the mayor with rocks as he exited from the meeting with the Rebbe. The interview was conducted the day following the rock-throwing incident.
The Rebbe states he does not speak on behalf of anyone but himself, stressing he is not at odds with Gedolei Yisrael but feels a need to share his position, based on decades of contact and work with the non-frum community. The Rebbe stresses that he attempts to follow in the footsteps of the Avos, once again, based on some 50 years of experience working to bring non-frum Jews back to shmiras hamitzvos.
He speaks of the need to approach secularists with love and concern, explaining these are people who never learned and therefore, simply do not know, requiring patience and a genuine caring.
Regarding the rock attack against the mayor when he left the meeting, the Rebbe stated he did not see the event but added, “Sadly, it does not help the situation”. He added that rocks, sticks and shouting have never accomplished anything, stressing the need to proceed with love and affection.
The Rebbe confirmed that it was he who requested to meet with the mayor, and they discussed matters pertaining to shabbos, education and housing for the chareidi tzibur. “I spoke with him about shabbos – to do everything he can for shabbos in the city, on perpetuating the memory of the Holocaust and housing for chareidim. He is willing to do everything possible. I spoke of the need for 20,000-30,000 housing units for avreichim, at affordable prices. There is a plan for 20,000 units, 4,500 a year.”
The Rebbe added that following the mayor’s election victory, he telephoned him to wish the new mayor success, reminding him that much Jewish blood was spilled for the Holy City and he must remain conscious of this and act accordingly.
In keeping with the Rebbe’s way, tolerance, and an outstretched hand towards unity, following the meeting the Rebbe sent a letter to Barkat thanking him for the meeting and the willingness to discuss matters pertaining to the Holy City.
(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)
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5 Responses
In word and deed the Kalever Rebbe shlita demonstrates that he is a true gadol ha’dor. May the Ribbono Shel Olam cause the Rebbe’s inspiring example to radiate from Yerushalayim to the entire frum world.
Now that’s what you call true Achavas Yisrael.
I had the zechus as a teenager to meet the Kalevar Rebe shlita. He is a remarkable person who is full of kedusha and true achvas yisreal for each and every true regardless of background and religious commitment.
In my humble opinion his approach is the way to try and bring our brothers back to the fold and not by resorting to violence.
“he is not at odds with Gedolei Yisrael”: We seem to use the words “Gedolei Hador” very freely; is it possible that those who preach violence or even tolerate it are not and cannot be “Gedolei Yisrael”? Those who provide the much needed leadership for a community in need of direction are the real “Great Ones of the Generation.”
Moving words from the Kalever Rebbe. I don’t know much about him, except that he survived brutal torture in the holocaust. It is comforting to hear an important Rabbi from Meah Shearim condemning violence and espousing love and concern for the tinokim she’nishbayim instead of hatred.
#3, what of Pinchas? Not a gadol?