For the first time since their establishment, this morning (Thursday) the editors of the Chabad websites - 'col-Chabad Online' and 'Sturem.net' - announced the suspension of activity - until 5:00 PM.
Every surfer who tried to browse the sites encountered an editorial message stating: "The site team went on a tefillin campaign as part of the Chabad in the Parks project. The site will be updated at 5:00 PM.".
• Hello toMenachem Cohen, editor of the Chabad Online website. Where do I catch you putting tefillin on Jews?
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""On my way to operations. Destination: Petah Tikva.".
• And how was the decision made to close the site?
""Chabad youth approached and suggested disabling the site, thereby sending a message to the thousands of surfers: You have no business here on this day, go lay tefillin on the Jews who are spending their time outdoors in droves.".
""When a surfer sees that his website is being linked to the important campaign, the message permeates and there's a good chance that he will get out too, even though today is not Friday - the regular day of the Tefillin campaign.".
• Is this the first time that competing sites have collaborated for a common goal?
""As I think so. And so it will be, God willing, in the future, in everything related to the Rebbe's affairs.".
•Hello toShimi Segal, editor of the website Tshom.net. Where do I catch you now putting tefillin on the Jews?
""I'm now making my way to the park in eastern Rishon LeZion and from there I'll continue to the 'Gold' mall in the west of the city.".
• How was the decision made to close the site?
""The young people of the Chabad Association have embarked on a blessed initiative: to take advantage of the Israeli Sabbath to go anywhere where there are Jews in order to benefit them from the mitzvot.".
""The reason we decided to disable the website for an entire day only emphasizes the fact that Chabad websites are not like all websites. We are an inseparable part of the glorious Hasidism and constitute a respected platform throughout the year for updates and news about what is happening in Chabad.".
""It goes without saying that on a day like this, when all Chabad followers go out to fulfill the Rebbe's will, we, the Chabad-Sturem.net website team, also stand as soldiers and join all the followers.".
• And how was the collaboration with the competing site created?
""The organizers approached both sites simultaneously. It was clear to them that the maximum effect would only be possible when both sites together took similar action.".
""There is no doubt that competition exists and is even beneficial, but we do not forget for a moment that we are all followers of the Rebbe and that in the end the goals are also shared. "As soon as the question of the good of private businesses was posed against our ability to assist in such an important project for the Rebbe, the answer of every follower was the same.".
