Scenes from the Melaveh Malkah in Wagshal Hall in Bnei Brak
Dozens of rabbonim throughout the country, together with over one hundred community representatives from all over, many from Chassidic courts, gathered this past motzei Shabbos for a Melave Malka of the third Ve'idas Hakehillos [Community Councils] taking place in the Wagshal hall in Bnei Brak. Its purpose was to strengthen the Rabbinical Committee for Fortifying the Walls of Religion, and it dealt with the continuation of its activities to protect the Jewish fold according to the directives of our rabbis and Torah leadership.
The assembly focused centrally upon HaRav Kanievsky who regarded it important enough to come personally and strengthen the various activities revolving around the very holy and pure foundations of the Jewish people.
HaRav Shmuel Eliezer Stern, dayan in the Beis Din of HaRav Shmuel Wosner zt"l, began with this message: "We have gathered here to cry out, `Protect the remnant of the Holy Nation, which is threatened by this terrible plague [technology] which devours the soul to the very bone. We must arrest the terrible fire of this destructive device with our very bodies. We must strengthen those people of spirit standing on vigil, for the eyes of Jewry are pinned on them."
During the course of the event, the words of HaRav Aharon Leib Shteinman were read aloud by his close confidante, HaRav Mordechai Bunim Zilberberg, Rav of Shikun Hei, Bnei Brak and one of the roshei yeshiva of Otzros HaTorah:
"[Vigil against] The danger of Internet is one of the things that require constant reinforcement. The yetzer hora is very clever and always finds new ways [to trip us up]. We must constantly stand on guard to see how we can overcome it."
HaRav Nissim Karelitz's words were read by his son-in-law, HaRav Sariel Rosenberg, the Badatz Rosh Av Beis Din of Bnei Brak, who roused the audience saying, "It is erroneous to think that women are not as vulnerable. On the contrary, [the temptation] is much greater." He added that we must continue waging this battle because, to our regret, some people still regard this lightly due to lack of awareness of the severity of the subject which is a matter of life and death. This very gathering serves to weaken the power of the yetzer hora."
The words of HaRav Kanievsky were read aloud, in his presence. He said: "The plague of Internet is the manifestation of idolatry and promiscuity in our generation. The enticement of a friend to stumble thereby is worse than had he killed him bodily. Those who are involved in saving people from this have gained immeasurable merit and will be blessed from the Source of all blessings."
HaRav Gershon Edelstein, Rosh Yeshiva Ponovezh, said: "All those involved in activities saving people from the use of forbidden devices which plummet its users to doom, have great merit for they are saying souls and lives. Those who come to purify shall be assisted."
HaRav Shalom Cohen said: "I have come here to strengthen all of you here who toil in this sacred work. You must continue to persevere and do whatever you can for the sake of Klal Yisrael. Be strengthened and encouraged."
The Admor of Vishnitz said: "Who can presume to say that he is worthy unto himself and that he can be complacent in light of the destructive technological devices and the forbidden communication media, when we see how devastating they are. We are heavenly assigned to save souls from perdition. I therefore say to all those gathered here to hear the word of Hashem to save generations: Be strengthened, be heartened to continue to stand on guard, and our benevolent Hashem will surely grant you success."
The Belzer Rebbe said: "May it be His will that you succeed in all of your efforts to safeguard and stand in the breach."
The Sanzer Rebbe said: "This battle is against such devices which should not be seen or be possessed. A constant war is necessary for this. May Hashem bless all those involved in it."
