Two hasidic rebbes have chosen to directly link yesterday’s rocket attack on the port city of Ashdod from Gaza to Shabbat observance – and its lack – in city.
Ashdod Saved From Gaza Rocket Attack By Prayers And Protests Of Haredim, Hasidic Rebbes Say
Shmarya Rosenberg • FailedMessiah.com
Two hasidic rebbes have chosen to directly link yesterday’s rocket attack on the port city of Ashdod from Gaza to Shabbat observance – and its lack – in city, the Jerusalem Post reported today based on a report in the haredi news website Kikar HaShabbat.
The Sadigora Rebbe said today that "we have merited to see miracles since the rocket did not injure anyone or cause damage to property.” The rebbe credited the "thousands of Jews who observe Shabbat and the right to prayer [in Ashdod]" for that “miracle” and noted the rocket landed not far from the Big Fashion shopping mall, which is open on Shabbat, angering haredim.
The new mall is located on the edge of town in area where shops and restaurants have been open on Shabbat for years. Even so, haredim have been protesting it because of its Shabbat violations.
The rebbe reportedly called on Israelis to strengthen their observance of Shabbat, and to "do everything necessary to stop the desecration of Shabbat that is threatening the safety of the city's residents. It's now upon the residents to see this as a sign from heaven that Shabbat is the mezuzah [of the city] and the city's protector."
The Shomer Rebbe of the Shomer Emunim Rebbe said something very similar, although less strident.
"Shabbat is the source of blessing and there is no doubt that in the merit of those on the stricter side of Shabbat observance…as well as the prayers of thousands of the city's residents…we merited to see God's goodness directly,” the Shomer Emunim Rebbe said.