Vizhnitz Rebbe Exiles Five Students Over Attack on Fellow Rabbi

The Vizhnitz Rebbe has taken the unprecedented step of exiling five students from the community for a period following their harassment of the Strikover Rebbe last week. The incident occurred during the wedding of the Lyipnik Rebbe's daughter, when a group of students, described as "from the fringes of the camp" by the Hasidic community, accosted the Strikover Rebbe. This act caused widespread shock within the Hasidic world.

In response, the Vizhnitz Rebbe convened the Hasidic community on Saturday night and delivered a stern address condemning violence and disrespect towards Rebbes. He emphasized that such behavior is contrary to the Vizhnitz tradition and the educational path laid down by previous Vizhnitz Rebbes, which is rooted in love for fellow Jews, good character, and respect for Torah scholars.

Prior to the Rebbe's address, the Av Beis Din of Vizhnitz, Rabbi Yisrael Greenberg, had also spoken out forcefully against the violence and disrespect. The Vizhnitz Rebbe also met with the Raavad, Rabbi Y. Silman, to discuss how to address the situation, underscoring the seriousness with which the community views the incident.

As a direct consequence of the harassment, the five students were expelled from the community for a period. This action sends a clear message from the Vizhnitz leadership that there is no place for disrespect towards others, especially revered rabbinic figures.

Following the attack, Rabbi Dov Landau, a prominent Rosh Yeshiva, made a rare and significant visit to the Strikover Rebbe to offer support and encouragement.