Orthodox Youth Group Says Russian Jewry Harmed by Provocative, Arrogant Actions

An Orthodox youth group, the Zerei Agudat Israel of America, issued an “open letter to Jewish youth on Russian Jewry” citing the opposition of Orthodox religious authorities to demonstrations on behalf of Soviet Jews. The open letter referred to a meeting last month of the Moetzes Gedolei Hatorah–the Supreme Council of Torah Authorities–which held that “Every manifestation concerning Russian Jewry which is provocative and arrogant is a highly dangerous act which can harm many.” The Moetzes Gedolei Hatorah was established 50 years ago. It consists of elder yeshiva heads and Hassidic rebbes whose leadership is recognized by Orthodox Jews in all matters. The Zeirei Agudath Israel, which considers itself bound by the decisions of the Moetzes Gedolei Hatorah, stated in their open letter that “there were those who came up with instant answers to this complex problem which includes the fate of millions of Jews.” The letter continued, “History has taught us a profound lesson, that whenever Jews have acted irrationally, without the guidance of the Torah and its authorities, their actions brought dire consequences. Now too, various Jewish groups have appealed to the emotions of the Jewish masses without fully weighing the potential dangers to the Jews still residing in Russia. We feel it is our duty and obligation to present a deeper insight into this problem, as well as on the recent decision made by the Moetzes Gedolei Hatorah.”

While eschewing demonstrations, the Moetzes Gedolei Hatorah and the Rabbinical Advisory Board of Torah Umesorah, the national association of Hebrew day schools, held a prayer meeting for Russian Jewry at New York’s Manhattan Center yesterday attended by an estimated 13,000 persons–some 5000 in the hall and an estimated 8000 in the street. A spokesman for the sponsoring groups said “the prevailing atmosphere was one of stark simplicity, reverence and respect.” The only sign decorating the hall was a quotation from the 20th Psalm–“God save us. May the King answer us on the day when we call.” In spite of the record-breaking throng the entire meeting was in keeping, the spokesman said, with the admonition of the Moetzes Gedolei Hatorah to avoid “provocative and arrogant acts…which can only harm many” in the Soviet Union. A proclamation read during the meeting declared to the Jews of Russia: “You are not alone. The Guardian of Israel watches you and protects you. Our hearts beat as one for you and with you till your freedom is assured to live fully as Jews.” The proclamation also prayed to the Almighty that “He incline the minds of the rulers of Soviet Russia toward a policy of benevolence as they judge the situation of our brethren.” A spokesman for Agudath Israel said there was no cry of “Never again!,” the slogan of the Jewish Defense League, as reported earlier. “When someone at one point shouted ‘am Yisroel chai’, he was simply ignored and it did not even cause a ripple,” the spokesman stated.