An interview with Rabbi Avrohom Biderman, Chairman of Am
Echad and Shuvu. The interview originally appeared in the
Hebrew edition of parshas Vayeitzei.
It is unnecessary to introduce Rabbi Avrohom (Abe) Biderman;
there is no Jew in the United States who hasn't heard of
him. His activity in government circles has earned him the
title of one of the most successful lobbyists for American
Orthodox Jewry. He leaves his mark on almost every public
project. The door to his home never stops swinging open and
shut as he receives visitor after visitor. The
gedolim are his guiding light--and the frequency with
which he seeks their advice has made him a "regular" in
their homes.
This is a man who has made Klal Yisroel his life's
work, and in keeping with this selfless dedication he runs
Shuvu, an organization for the welfare of Russian
olim.
How did Shuvu come into being?
The idea was born at the Agudas Yisroel convention ten years
ago. HaRav Avrohom Pam spoke at sholosh seudos about
the olim from the Soviet Union who lack any knowledge
of their Jewish heritage. He maintained that they would have
a profound effect on life in Eretz Yisroel.
"It is incumbent upon us to invest in this aliyah--for their
sake and for our own." HaRav Pam said. "We must do all that
is in our power to bring them back to their roots."
Is Agudas Yisroel also involved in this project?
Agudas Yisroel is not involved in the organizational aspect,
however, the leaders of Shuvu, HaRav Avrohom Pam and the
Novominsker Rebbe, take care of the financing. Most of
Shuvu's supporters come from the ranks of Agudas Yisroel, so
you might call this "external support."
How did you first get involved with Shuvu?
That motzei Shabbos I decided to check out what I
could contribute to this cause. I came to the home of HaRav
Avrohom Pam and found him in the middle of a meeting with
HaRav Elya Svei, HaRav A. Shechter, and the Novominsker
Rebbe. They were deliberating which askan should be
chosen to head the project. HaRav Pam mentioned my name and
everyone agreed. Since then, exactly ten years ago, I have
been involved.
Looking back, could you call this project a
success?
When we just started, we never believed we would succeed. We
were sure that the olim would not have any motivation
to learn about Yiddishkeit. But we were wrong. In
Eretz Yisroel they felt like second-class citizens wherever
they went. Yet at Shuvu, since the organization is
especially geared to Russian olim, they felt that
were accorded proper respect. They displayed a great
interest in Yiddishkeit and even tried to take "giant
steps" forward in their observance of mitzvos in order to
make up for the seventy lost years during which they were
separated from their heritage.
Could you give an idea of the numbers of people affected
by Shuvu?
To date, approximately 10,000 students learn in Shuvu
institutions, which are scattered throughout Eretz Yisroel.
We make an effort to help in every way from here. But the
burden cannot be shouldered indefinitely by American Jewry.
I would like to take advantage of this opportunity to call
on whoever is in a position to help to make his or her
contribution. American Jewry identifies strongly with Eretz
Yisroel and makes every effort to lend a hand, both
materially and spiritually. In the future too, we intend to
continue helping to the best of our ability. But, we need
the participation of those living in Eretz Hakodesh
so that we can go on and do our part.
You mentioned that American Jewry strongly identifies
with Eretz Yisroel. How is this expressed?
It would be impossible to separate the two communities. Many
of our children move to Eretz Yisroel after they get
married. When the Jews living in Eretz Yisroel suffer, we,
too, suffer. But it is a two-way relationship. Many of the
roshei yeshivos in the U.S. came from Eretz Yisroel. The
Torah gedolim live in Eretz Yisroel. Our children
study in Eretz Yisroel. "For from Zion shall come forth
Torah!"
Are the Jews of America in a position to assist those
living in Eretz Yisroel in the current crisis?
First I would have to list repentance, prayer, and charity.
Moreover, we must strengthen the Torah institutions and
organizations in Eretz Yisroel. The more we increase Torah
in Eretz Hakodesh, the more we will merit Hashem's
protection there. In terms of hishtadlus, it is clear
that the United States is the only superpower that can
intervene and alleviate the situation. We must make it clear
to our politicians that what interests us most is their
policy on the Middle East. Their relationship to us, the
American Jewish community, involves money, budgets, etc. But
their attitude toward Eretz Yisroel is a question of lives
and here they will be able to prove themselves!
