An Information and Help Center for Victims of Antisemitism
has been set up in the wake of an increase in antisemitic
acts in Israel. These acts are perpetrated by non-Jewish
immigrants from the former Soviet Union who arrived in
Israel either under the Law of Return or through use of
counterfeit documents.
HaRav Yosef Sholom Eliashiv signed a letter for assistance
to the new organization, which has merited the blessings and
support of HaRav Yitzchok Zilber and his son, HaRav Ben
Tsion. In his letter of support, HaRav Eliashiv says:
"Activists of the Information and Help Center For Victims of
Antisemitism are performing a remarkable service. Although
it is difficult to believe, there is both physical and
verbal antisemitism here in Eretz Hakodesh, and it is a
great mitzvah to battle it and, in general, to oppose
bringing non-Jews here. It is a great mitzvah to help them,
and may all those involved in assisting this effort be
blessed."
The letter is also signed by HaRav Ben Tsion Zilber, HaRav
Nochum Eisenstein, HaRav Shlomo Neiman, and HaRav Yoel
Schwartz.
For a long time, many new Jewish immigrants from the C.I.S
have been complaining about antisemitic acts. The Damayich
NPO for the Promotion of the Absorption of Immigrants has
established an Information and Help Center for Victims of
Antisemitism. Its first meeting was held a few months ago in
Tel Aviv, and a number of measures were undertaken to combat
the swelling tide of antisemitism in Israel.
Center activists, headed by Reb Zalman Gilchensky, have
determined that they are not dealing with isolated acts but
rather, acts that constitute a trend calling for an urgent
need to solve the problems of local victims of antisemitism.
These victims receive no help from official government
bodies.
R' Gilchensky complained to the police a number of times,
and even to Attorney General Eliakim Rubinstein, about the
antisemitic behavior of certain elements, including pro-Nazi
remarks. However no measures were taken to correct the
situation, and no charges have been pressed.
In light of this serious situation, Gilchensky proposed the
opening of a help and guidance center for immigrants, with
branches in areas with a high concentration of immigrants
(perhaps abroad, too). At the centers, immigrants will be
taught how to cope with and defend themselves against
antisemitism. The center will also offer legal and
psychological counsel, and will formulate suitable
prevention and enforcement systems, similar to those in some
European countries.
