4309 —חיזוק כפר חב"ד לאחר אסון, והצורך בפעולה מעשית

B"H, 8 Iyar, 5716.

Brooklyn, NY.

Haravach vavac"h iy"a nu"n oseik b'tzorkhei tzibbur anaf etz avot etc. HaRash"Z Shazar

Shalom u'Vrachah!

Regarding what I write with much pain in connection with and following the events in Kfar Chabad—my heart grieves for their fallen—I may express myself more strongly than usual, but one is not held accountable for their pain, and you will surely understand my words.

You are certainly aware of the telegram I sent yesterday to Kfar Chabad, which reads: "To each and every one of Anash, residents of Kfar Chabad, the institutions there, especially the vocational and agricultural schools—the students, teachers, administrators, activists, and parents: My strong hope is that with G‑d's help, Who watches with a vigilant eye and supervises with individual Providence, you will overcome every obstacle; strengthen both private and communal buildings; expand all institutions in quantity and quality; and with tranquility and peace of mind Torah study—our fortress—will be enhanced and glorified. The Torah of life and words of the living G‑d will be fulfilled joyfully and wholeheartedly—and you shall live by them. From Kfar Chabad may the wellsprings of Chassidus—the Torah and deeds of our holy leaders—spread outward until they reach even further afield to bring all our Jewish brothers closer to our Father in Heaven with kindness and compassion, bringing the true and complete redemption through Moshiach Tzidkeinu soon. Participating in your prayers and fasts—and I am confident in G‑d that very soon there will also be true inner joy for you both materially and spiritually together.—M.S."

From this it is clear what my perspective is regarding the residents of the village. But how much effect the telegram and words of encouragement will have to calm spirits shaken by this terrible tragedy depends mainly on action. This is not a matter of convenience but a question of saving lives—which preoccupies and worries the village residents.

As for myself, my view was clear even before this. Based on this perspective I have long proposed a specific plan for developing the village—as I have emphasized many times—not as a matter of convenience but as an essential need for all development and future of Kfar Chabad and other Chabad institutions directly or indirectly influenced by it.

If there were those who doubted the necessity of fully implementing my proposed plan—it should now be clear to all that mere words—even promises or partial actions—cannot remove worry from villagers' hearts. Only fulfilling my plan completely (and more) can restore their spirits so they can continue their lives not out of compulsion but willingly—with tranquility as mentioned above in my telegram.

I will briefly repeat here the main points I proposed but which unfortunately have not yet been implemented:

A. All along I have tried to ensure every means is taken to increase both population and sources of livelihood in the village; therefore I demanded urgent establishment of vocational/agricultural schools on the broadest scale possible. But unfortunately things moved very slowly due to reasons beyond my control. Painful as it is to say—the reason is that relevant institutions/offices in Eretz Yisrael responsible for implementation debated like merchants over money: how much to lend under what terms; how much can be saved etc.

Moreover—even promises made to me here (though not officially) were not kept—they withheld where they should have given generously... I am aware of claims about tight finances in these offices—but seeing how overseas activities or less important matters are not limited (not just from my perspective alone), while matters concerning Kfar Chabad's schools are restricted—the claim falls away.

Especially since expanding dining halls/building new school buildings are not just isolated needs but preparation for overall village development—they would strengthen/encourage all residents: men, women, children—and everyone around.

B. Similarly regarding new buildings in the new section—the approach must be that this concerns core development—not just speed/convenience. Besides—even old buildings would fill up as more people joined. Had things been approached without stinginess/restriction—we'd already be negotiating stage three.

C. Connected to point B above—I also insisted that a second village be established near the current one—not only would this ease settling into similar lifestyles for newcomers—it would greatly encourage old-timers seeing themselves as a center surrounded by similar communities supporting each other.

I fully understand efforts to settle specifically in Lachish region or similar—but if one weighed loss to Chabad against gain from settling 100 families (the first stage) in those areas—it would be clear it's incomparable. I also recall explanations about land around Kfar Chabad being under others' control—but such obstacles are often overcome daily—especially now in Eretz Yisrael—and without great difficulty.

D. Another point—I don't know how justified—but since complaints reached me I'll mention it: security at the village is insufficient—it is like an open field surrounded by orchards providing hiding places for infiltrators etc.

I do not mean any rebuke or criticism by all this—nor should anyone suspect me so—as it's known rebuke is not Chabad/Lubavitch's way. My intention is simply that from now on—and especially immediately—a fundamental change should begin on all these points; most importantly—all villagers (men/women/children) should see with their own eyes a real shift regarding their community.

When they see that offices/supporters immediately take practical steps greatly increasing their assistance—it will deepen their connection so that this shocking event will not cause discouragement or weakness—but rather awaken their inner soul—the Chabad soul—to see this descent as necessary for ascent—even higher than before.

The condition—as stated—is practical action: quickly expanding institutions/population; broadening livelihood opportunities; increasing security/protection measures.

I know some matters above are not directly related to offices where you are active—but since Divine Providence granted you a leading role founding/developing/supporting the village—its foundation/growth/future are directly tied to you. Therefore I'm sure you also have ability to act/influence all these matters—you are a partner here—and "the Holy One does not demand from anyone more than their ability."

If someone asks why Kfar Chabad deserves special effort/growth beyond others—the answer is: first—all these points together do not require an unmanageable sum; second—and mainly—Kfar Chabad truly is unique; its residents too are exceptional—for after over 25 years under Communist oppression they emerged whole in faith/strong in spirit—and managed in Eretz Yisrael prioritizing form over matter—thus serving as an example/model for our orphaned generation.

You surely recall our conversation when you were here about how much Israeli youth need spiritual encouragement/influence so as not to fall into destructive ideologies threatening young souls—especially now in Eretz Yisrael—which itself requires effort.

Kfar Chabad is among few settlements (if not unique) whose residents remained loyal despite obstacles/delays/hiding—showing exemplary discipline—even though most never met me personally face-to-face. My hope is this continues—but we cannot ignore reality: current situation there is extremely serious.

Considering many have relatives/friends who settled elsewhere more easily/comfortably—and stay connected via letters/visits—the challenge grows even greater.

I hope—with G‑d's help—to continue preserving/completing/developing/expanding Kfar Chabad—but everyone prays daily "do not bring us into temptation."

I conclude by stressing again—I do NOT mean any pressure—as shown by my telegram sent before writing or receiving your reply; meaning—in any case I will do everything possible with G‑d's help fulfilling my responsibility fully.

Together with this—I strongly hope all local supporters—and especially those from Chabad lineage—or whose roots pulse within them so deeply expressed through ever-increasing practical deeds day by day—they too will recognize their extra ability/the urgency now—and do everything possible (and more). Then everything will succeed peacefully—with satisfaction—and everyone can say wholeheartedly "Odecha Hashem ki anapta bi... ki geut asa..." (I thank You L‑rd because You were angry with me... because He has done greatness...).

Summary

The Rebbe writes that after tragedy strikes Kfar Chabad, only real action—not just words or promises—can heal wounds: expanding institutions, improving livelihoods, strengthening security, and showing unity inspire hope for growth even after hardship.