Haredi Leader: Vina Gaon Said When Russia Invades Crimea, Moshiach Will Come

The number two rabbi in the haredi umbrella group Edah Haredit says that his ancestor the Vilna Gaon promised that when Russia invades Crimea, the Redemption has begun. The problem? Russia invaded Crimea during the Gaon's lifetime, and the messiah did not come.

 

Rabbi Moshe Sternbuch: "When one hears that the Russians have invaded Crimea, one should know that the time of the Ge'ulah has already begun."

The problem?

In 1783, during the Vilna Gaon's own lifetime (1720-1797), the Russian Empire invaded and annexed Crimea from the Tatar-governed Khanate of Crimea.

So Sternbuch's "deep secret" makes little sense.

Please claick to enlarge:

 

[Hat Tip: D.O.]