Chabad News: Rabbi Berel Lazar gives interview to Messianic newspaper

July 1, 2020   

The rabbi of Russia, the rabbi Berel Lazar, who in recent months has tried to lead several attempts at gatherings held via Zoom, gave an extensive interview this week to the newspaper Beit Mashiach - the Messianic faction's publication. The move, which constitutes recognition of the publication - is causing a stir in Hasidism. Many Chabad emissaries and activists told Haredim 10 this morning: "A shameful interview." One Chabad businessman tells Haredim 10: "Giving an interview to a newspaper that is fighting the Chabad establishment and does not recognize the Lubavitcher Rebbe's Yom Hillula? A disgrace!" Rabbi Shaye Deitch, one of the Chabad emissaries in Moscow, tweeted on his Twitter account: "A special and extensive holiday interview with the Chief Rabbi Shlita, in honor of the holiday of redemption on the 12th-13th of Tammuz, this week at Beit Mashiach.".  

An extensive and special holiday interview with the Chief Rabbi Shlita, in honor of the holiday of redemption, 12-13 Tammuz, this week at Beit Mashiach. pic.twitter.com/VBHkjDptbN

— ShiyeШиеШие (@shiye10) July 1, 2020

Chabad emissary in Turkey, Rabbi Mendi Hitrik, tweeted in response: "The rabbi was stabbed." He then added: "It's not just Messianic or not. It's also inhumane. A person who received the full, full, full backing of the Chabad establishment suddenly comes and supports a newspaper that fights and fights against the establishment. Delusional." Rabbi Lazar was released more than two weeks ago from a hospital in Moscow, where he was hospitalized for a week after contracting the coronavirus. After his release, his office said: "The Chief Rabbi of Russia, Rabbi Berel Lazar Shlita, who was diagnosed with symptoms of the coronavirus, is being released to his home today, after several days in the Moscow hospital. His office thanks the dedicated and attentive medical team and all the Jews of Russia, who prayed for his recovery throughout the week.".