American Philanthropists Galvanize with Exorbitant Sums for Gur Torah Rescue Fund

By Y. S. Gold

Sunday was an especial historic day in the annals of chassidic history in America. 

The early morning hours saw the arrival of the Gerer Rebbe shlit”a in the United States for a historic emergency mission.

This mission will not entail any public events—only a quiet and tenacious focus on an urgent mission to save Torah Jewry in Eretz Yisroel as they undergo a crisis of historic proportions brought about by severe funding cuts in government assistance. 

In addition to raising funds, the Gerer Rebbe seeks to awaken American Jewry to the plight of their brethren in Eretz Yisroel. 

The Rebbe has been making the rounds since early afternoon, and every visit to the home of a philanthropist who committed to donate $1 million followed a similar script: the Rebbe meets with the donor privately, inquires about their needs, gives his blessings, and departs for the next home. Those familiar with the Rebbe’s style observe that for the rebbe to spend this much time with one person is extremely rare—but it demonstrates the Rebbes commitment to this historic mission.  

Following a visit to the home of Reb Binyomin Beitel, where a chanukas habayis was held, In the late afternoon, the Rebbe attended a dinner hosted by R’ Shloime Werdiger, Chairman of the Board of Agudath Israel of America and devoted Gerer chossid. Prominent philanthropists—each of whom pledged enormous sums to the fund—were likewise in attendance. 

Rav Nechemia Alter, the rebbes son, and Rosh Yeshiva of Gur in Ashdod addressed the assemblage, and minced no words as he described the dire state of Charedi Jewry in Eretz Yisroel and the shameful attitude of the Israeli government towards Torah and those who devote their lives to its study. “The aim of our Torah philanthropists is to remove this shame, and to support lomdei Torah with even more support than ever,” he said. Addirional addresses were delivered by Rav Moshe Chaim Dandorowitz, Rosh Yeshivas Sfas Emes, and Rav Hershel Rottenberg, Rov of chassidei Gur in the United States.  

Portraying the terrible financial state of these families, Rav Dandorowitz thundered, “These families simply wish to buy baby formula for their infants!” At this, dinner attendees were stunned to see a tear roll down the Rebbes face. 

Rav Rottenberg related that he personally knows numerous yungeleit who have mastered thousands of dapim of Gemara, and learn without letup, and for the first time feel compelled to think about leaving the walls of the Beis medrash… 

Those familiar with the matter relate that this first day of fundraising was extremely successful, and that the rebbe will continue to build upon this foundation in the coming days. Chassidim from throughout the greater New York area have been streaming to the Rebbe with outsized donations—above and beyond their ability. 

Relief is being felt on the horizon. American Jewry will save the Eretz Yisroel Torah world.