[Cz-L] Fw: Rebbe Eliezer Zusia Portugal In Chernowitz

BS"D From: http://www.ascentofsafed.com Story #613 (s5769-48) 5 Elul
5769

Risk and Rescue

In the aftermath of World War II, Rebbe Eliezer Zusia Portugal, the Skulener
Rebbe, saved thousands of war refugees and orphans. Nothing could stand in
his way to fulfill his mission to rescue Jews who were in need. In
Chernowitz, which was under Soviet dominion, he assisted Soviet Jews who had
smuggled themselves across the border in to Romania. It was much easier
there to get papers to enable them to go on to America or Israel. Whenever
these Jews were caught they were immediately found guilty. The punishment
was imprisonment in Siberia or a quick bullet to the head. The Rebbe was
indefatigable; "I will get them out - regardless!" he exclaimed.

The colonel who was in charge of the border guards lived in Chernowitz and
knew the Skulener well. The Rebbe had won him over many a time with
heartrending entreaties on behalf of his brethren. The last time he was
there the colonel had told him, "This is the very last time you will bother
me. If you come again on behalf of your Jews, I will kill you!"

 Nonetheless, when the Skulener was notified about a family of nine people
that had been captured, he immediately undertook the daunting and dangerous
task of rescuing them. Nothing worked, not even a hefty bribe. They were
adamant; these people were to serve as an example for others.

There was only one avenue left to be employed: he would go to the colonel
and beg, regardless of the imminent personal danger involved. Jewish lives
were at stake and that was more important than his own life.

His family begged him not to go. "How can you risk your life like this?"
they asked. He responded, "It is not clear that he will take out his wrath
against me, but one thing is for sure, their lot is sealed unless I am able
to do something in their behalf."

The Skulener approached the colonel's house with trepidation, climbed up the
steps and knocked on the door. When the colonel saw who stood at his
doorstep, he was overcome with anger. He grabbed the Rebbe and threw him
down the stairs. The Skulener was hurt badly, yet, with extreme difficulty,
he was able to get up. With the little strength he had left, he once again
climbed the stairs and knocked on the colonel's door.

The colonel opened the door and could not believe his eyes. There stood the
Skulener Rebbe, dirty, bloodied, clothes torn - but with defiance in his
eyes. "I must speak to you, colonel!" the Skulener said, with tears
streaming down his face. The colonel listened: the Rebbe begged, he cried,
as he depicted the bitter plight of this hapless family. The colonel's
hardened heart could not ignore the selfless pleas, the heartfelt emotion of
the Skulener Rebbe. His devotion to others at the expense of his own
wellbeing finally overcame the colonel's resistance. The family was freed.
~~~~~
This story and #561 in this series were adapted, contracted and supplemented
by Yerachmiel Tilles from the impressive anthology of linked sources by my
old friend "Yitz" at
http://heichalhanegina.blogspot.com/2006_08_01_archive.html , a strongly
recommended site for chasidic bios and stories, and especially music, and
with some added information compiled by Dr. Yisroel Susskind, a great Jew,
highly regarded therapist, and good friend living now in Monsey, NY.

Kol Tuv,
R' Tal Moshe Zwecker
Director Machon Be'er Mayim Chaim
www.chassidusonline.com
info_at_chassidusonline.com
Phone: 972-2-992-1218 / Cell: 972-54-842-4725
VoIP: 516-320-6022
eFax: 1-832-213-3135
join the mailing list to keep updated about new projects here:
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Received on 2009-08-26 11:57:17