Gur Hasidic rabbi in Arad urges restraint after violent clash

The rabbi of the Gur Hasidic community in Arad, Rabbi Mordechai Chaim Volkovitz, issued a letter on Thursday calling on local Hasidim to calm the situation in the city after an unusual and violent confrontation the day before between Hasidim and secular residents. The unrest came against the backdrop of protests over vehicles and after city residents tried to block the exit of Hasidim.

In his letter, Volkovitz warned that in such difficult days, people must be especially careful not to be drawn into provocations. He wrote that no one should gather in places where quarrels could develop, and that they should not respond to those who insult them.

He also instructed community members that in any case of harassment or physical harm, they should contact the police and file a complaint, with the aim of bringing the attackers to justice. At the same time, he told the Hasidic public not to rely on unverified rumors, but only on clear information issued by him.

The rabbi ended by urging the community to increase prayer, supplication, Torah study, and reverence for Heaven, and to strengthen “love of Israel.” He closed the letter with a handwritten blessing, “May there be peace.”