Burglars broke into the Tchernobyl Hasidic court on Hahavakuk Street in Bnei Brak during a recent wave of break-ins in the city and stole the silver vessels used by the rebbe for the tish. According to testimony reported by BeChadrei Charedim, the thieves took advantage of the rebbe’s Shabbat stay at the Western Wall with supporters of the court.
The break-in targeted a room containing the safe with the ceremonial silver items. The rebbe was in Jerusalem for a Shabbat called “Lev Yerushalayim,” arranged for about 100 Tchernobyl Hasidim who were raising funds for the new study hall now being built in the holy city.
The intruders, masked and carrying a special spray meant to prevent fingerprints, appear to have known what they were looking for. They stole only the genuine silver pieces and left behind the plated items.
Court officials estimate the damage at tens of thousands of shekels. A complaint was filed with police, who are investigating the burglary, and detectives came to the site today to collect testimony.