Putin Suggests Chabad Books Could Be Housed In Moscow Jewish Museum
Putin suggested that the collection of Jewish books and documents be
given a permanent home in Russia. But according to Putin, instead of
being housed as they now are by a state library and a military archive,
the collection could be housed in the Russian capital’s new Jewish
Museum.
Putin Suggests Chabad Books Could Be Housed In Moscow Jewish Museum
Shmarya Rosenberg • FailedMessiah.com
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has suggested a solution to the fight between Chabad and Russia over a library of valuable Chabad books.
Russia has refused to give the library to Chabad, which lost control of it during WW2, claiming the collection is state property.
Putin, who said yesterday that it was “impossible” for Russia to give the collection to Chabad in the US, suggested that the collection be given a permanent home in Russia. But instead of being housed as they now are by a state library and a military archive, the collection could be housed in the Russian capital’s new Jewish Museum.
“Perhaps someday we’ll be able to [give the books to Chabad in the US], but now we are absolutely not ready for it…[transferring the collection risks opening] a Pandora’s box,” creating a precedent for surrendering ownership of state property, Putin said.
In January, a US District Court judge ordered that Russia be fined $50,000 a day until it turns over the so-called Schneerson Collection to Chabad in Brooklyn, N.Y, angering Russia and sparking an international incident. The Obama Administration opposed the judge’s ruling – which is unenforcible anyway because the court has no jurisdiction over Russia.
[Hat Tip: Burich.]
Seems like a nice temporary solution while they work things out.
Posted by: Satmar Rebbe | February 20, 2013 at 07:26 AM
maybe he should give chabad the conan doyle books!
Posted by: Yosef ben Matitya | February 20, 2013 at 09:48 AM
Putin just appreciates the value of the books and knows if it falls into the hands of Chabad, they will take out, censor, all the enlightened philosophy books the rebbe had and rewrite history so noone will know what he was really reading.
Ever hear the story about how the Rebbe met with Freud and asked him how to deal with his chassidim and was told to just listen. If you believe that story (I dont) and want to believe the rebbe was so enlightened to meet with cutting edge doctors in hsi time (from Russia to Vienna), then do you think he didnt have Aristotle in his library too?
I have heard enough with the Chabadiks and saving their sefarim -- when they should have been working on saving human beings during WW2, not saving books.
Posted by: hot stuff | February 20, 2013 at 10:21 PM
When Chabad got into bed with Putin, this is the price they paid.
Putin has become so virulently anti-American that his anti-Magnitsky law won't allow Americans to adopt handicapped Russian orphans that Russians refuse to adopt. (Better they should die in Russian orphanages than have a good life in the US.)
The worst thing Chabad can do now is ask the US government for help, which would be the height of betrayal to their patron Vlad. All they can do is accept whatever crumbs he throws their way.
Posted by: Eli, what me messiah? | February 21, 2013 at 08:12 AM
Hey, I think Putin may be correct. The archives are part of a national treasure and are also an important in terms of their historical value.
Perhaps Chabad should send someone to microfilm the library. That may be an even better solution.
Posted by: Chicago Sam | February 21, 2013 at 07:13 PM