Thousands of Vizhnitzer chassidim from across Eretz Yisroel gathered Tuesday night at the main Gerer bais medrash in Yerushalayim for a massive “Mekadshei Shemecha” maamad led by the Vizhnitzer Rebbe, who made a rare public appearance despite his recent weakness. During the gathering, the Rebbe’s directives were presented, including a firm call not to enlist in the army or any military-related framework and to strengthen emunah in the home.

The event also served as a major fundraising campaign on behalf of the Association of Vizhnitzer Institutions. Participants were deeply moved when the Rebbe arrived despite his weakened condition. The gathering had originally been scheduled to take place in Meron, but because of the Rebbe’s health, it was relocated to Yerushalayim near Moshav Ora, where the Rebbe has been staying in recent days.

The central theme of the evening focused on Kiddush Hashem and the current challenges facing the Olam HaTorah. The program opened with an emotional presentation by the children of the American “Yiddish Nachas” group, highlighting mesirus nefesh for limud haTorah. Later, chassidim presented a dramatic reenactment of “Prison 10,” depicting a chossid sitting in chains while continuing to learn Torah.

Moments before the Vizhnitzer Rebbe entered the hall, his brother-in-law, Rav Menachem Ernster, Rosh Yeshivas Vizhnitz, led the crowd in reciting Shma Koleinu using the Yamim Nora’im nusach. Rav Yaakov Mordechai Hager, Av Beis Din of Vizhnitz Elad, then recited Tehillim.

One of the evening’s most stirring moments came with the arrival of the Gerer Rebbe, who attended to express solidarity with the Olam HaTorah and reinforce the resolve to preserve Torah learning. Thousands of Vizhnitzer chassidim greeted the Gerer Rebbe with thunderous singing, while the Vizhnitzer Rebbe personally honored and accompanied him. Rav Chaim Meir Hager, Av Beis Din of Vizhnitz, welcomed the Gerer Rebbe and warmly thanked him for hosting the gathering in the Gur bais medrash.

During the assembly, the Vizhnitzer Av Beis Din read the Rebbe’s message to the assembled crowd. In his remarks, the Rebbe instructed his followers not to enlist in the army or participate in any military track, to strengthen their children with words of emunah and mesirus nefesh, and to contribute kofer nefesh in light of the current situation.

{Matzav.com}