[Video below.] As he prepared to travel to the United States on behalf of Keren Olam HaTorah, Rav Dov Landau received a special visit from Rav Dovid Cohen, Rosh Yeshivas Chevron, and shared the personal difficulty he feels about undertaking the demanding journey.

The meeting took place ahead of Rav Landau’s planned departure on Motzaei Shabbos as part of a major fundraising effort aimed at supporting yeshivos and Torah institutions facing significant financial challenges. The two gedolim discussed the mission and the urgent needs confronting the Torah world.

During the visit, Rav Landau made an unusual request, asking Rav Cohen to bentch him with Birchas Kohanim before the trip. Rav Cohen readily agreed and offered heartfelt blessings for a successful journey, good health, and continued strength in carrying the burden of leadership on behalf of Klal Yisroel.

Rav Cohen said, “May Hakadosh Baruch Hu give the Rosh Yeshivah the strength to endure the trip, with health and with vigor, to sustain the Torah world and establish Torah throughout Klal Yisroel.”

Rav Landau responded emotionally, expressing both gratitude and the weight he feels regarding the upcoming mission.

“Amein, thank you very much for the brachos and good wishes. It is very difficult for me, very, very difficult. It is impossible to describe how difficult it is.”

As the conversation continued, Rav Landau spoke more openly about the personal challenge involved in leaving Eretz Yisroel and undertaking the extensive fundraising campaign.

“For me, it is doubly difficult. There is no alternative.”

When Rav Cohen emphasized the importance of strengthening the Torah world during this critical period, Rav Landau replied that despite the hardship, the responsibility leaves him with no choice.

“It is impossible to describe what it means for me personally. And I have no solution. We must do it.”

Those present said the remarks reflected the profound sense of responsibility Rav Landau feels toward the yeshivah world and the future of Torah learning.

As the meeting drew to a close, Rav Cohen once again offered words of encouragement and blessing.

“Hashem should help that the Rosh Yeshivah have the strength, that there be success, that it be beneficial, and that there be siyata d’Shmaya.”

Rav Landau thanked him warmly for coming.

“Amein, thank you. I appreciate that you took the trouble to come and bentch me.”

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{Matzav.com}