Haredi Gedolim Sign Emergency Proclamation For Rubashkin

In an unprecedented move, a Kol Koreh on behalf of Sholom Rubashkin was signed by Gedolim from all sects of Klal Yisroel, asking the community to act.

Pidyon Shvuyim: Gedolim Sign Kol Koreh On Behalf Of Rubashkin; Ask Community To Do Whatever Possible
Yeshiva World

In an unprecedented move, a Kol Koreh on behalf of Sholom Rubashkin was signed by Gedolim from all sects of Klal Yisroel, asking the Tzibur to act. Never before in recent history have so many Rabbonim and Rebbes from Satmar, Lakewood, Chabad, and Litvish Roshei Yeshiva come together on a signed Kol Koreh.

TRANSLATION OF LETTER SIGNED BY RABBONIM SHLITA:

To our Jewish Brethren Worldwide:

Sholom Mordechai Rubashkin is due to be sentenced shortly, and as the situation now stands, is facing the possibility of a very lengthy jail sentence, G-d forbid. US Legal experts have informed community leaders involved in this case, that the recommended sentence (by the US attorney) is overzealous and excessively harsh, and is totally unparalleled to similar offenses by others.

According to the experts involved in the case, phone calls and letters to department of justice (expressing concern) about this situation can be helpful. Therefore, there is a holy obligation  for every single individual to get involved in this matter of utmost Pidyon Shvuyim , and to do whatever they possibly can to assist in this matter.

As well, anyone who has the ability to urge the department of justice or political officials to rectify the (undue) harshness (displayed by the DOJ) should get in touch with the committee as soon as possible, and do whatever they possibly can to help rectify the (undue) harshness, and hereby fulfill the mitzvah of ‘Lo Taamod’ – not standing by idly while a fellow’s blood is shed.

As the Shulchan Aruch Yoreah Deah rules (252:3): Every moment that one delays the mitzvah of Pidyan Shvuyim, when there exists the possibility to assist sooner, is tantamount to committing bloodshed. As the Rambam’s states famously in the Laws of Matnas Aniyim (8:4): There exists no greater mitzvah than that of Pidyun Shvuyim ; One who looks away from assisting in helping to free the person, violates the injunctions of : Do Not Harden Your Heart, Do Not Be Tightfisted and Do Not Stand By While The Blood of Your Fellow is Being Shed. The Rambam then states an additional five mitzvahs involved in this.

Our Sages have already stated (Shabbos 151b ): All Who Have Compassion on Living Beings, Heaven will have compassion on him.

May Hashem positively change the hearts of the authorities to good; May the cries of the imprisoned come before Hashem, and speedily extract him from his imprisonment.

Amen.
Month of Iyor, 5770.

SIGNED BY LEADING RABBIS IN AMERICA & CANADA:

Rav Dovid Feinstein (Mesivta Tiferes Yerushalayim),
Skulener Rebbe,
Rav Mordechai Shmuel Ashkenazi (Rov, Kfar Chabad),
Mattisdorfer Rov,
Pupa Rebbe,
Rav Shmuel Kamenetsky (Rosh yeshiva Philadelphia),
Rav Malkiel Kotler (Rosh Yeshiva BMG, Lakewood),
Rav Chaim Yehuda Krinsky (Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch, Chabad-Lubavitch),
Novaminsker Rebbe,
Satmar Rebbe of Williamsburg,
Rav Yonasan Bonyomin Weiss (Av Beis Din, Montreal),
Rav Menachem Meir Weissmandel (Av Beis Din, Monsey),
Rav Moshe Wolfson (Rosh Yeshiva Torah V’Daas)

LINK TO HELP SAVE RUBASHKIN: Click HERE to see how you can help Rubashkin! (http://justiceforsholom.org/)