Chabad hasidim are planning on staging a protest in support of convicted felon Sholom Rubashkin during President Barack Obama's visit to Crown Heights today. Rubashkin was convicted of bank fraud and other related federal charges, including money laundering, and is serving a 27-year prison term. All his normal appeals along with a bid to have the US Supreme Court hear his case, have already failed.
COLLive reports:
Update 1:57 pm CDT – Here's another pro-Rubashkin sign being used today:Hundreds of signs protesting the unjust sentence of Sholom Mordechai Rubashkin have been made available for pickup on Kingston Avenue, in time for the President's visit.
In an effort to bring the case of Sholom Rubashkin to the attention of the President and media, volunteers have worked hard and prepared hundreds of catchy signs in support of Rubashkin.- 770 downstairs (near big pushka) [this is Chabad's official main synagogue]
- The Sushi Spot
- Kol Tuv outside
- Kahn’s
- B.R. Crown St
- Albany Bakery
- Empire Kosher
Organizer’s Instructions: Starting from early afternoon (don’t wait till 2:00 or 3:00 pm, it may be too late), pay attention to any sign of the motorcade and head out to the street and display your signs. Please be alert and please be patient. Please be sure to be on the street as well for the President’s return trip (might be via a different avenue)!
When you pick up your signs, please pick up a few more to hand to your family, friends and to other people on the street.
Remember the word’s of Mordechai to Esther: Revach vehatzalah yaamod layehudim… To paraphrase the Rebbeim’s explanation: Sholom Mordechai will surely be freed in a big Kiddush Hashem, the question is only will YOUR NESHAMA HAVE THE ZECHUS?
Please act today and show the President, show the media and show Sholom Mordechai that you care!