The victim’s name is Tuvia Stern. He is a Charedi. He lives in Ramat Bet Shemesh B and he is a hero who has paid a price! An American Oleh, he is man of conviction who stood up to these Charedi terrorist thugs! And now he lies in a hospital after being severely beaten by people from his own community!
As is typical of the smug individuals who refuse to see what’s going on in their own community, I was challenged more than once about the veracity of my source. “Why hasn’t it made the media?” I was asked. Why hasn’t it even made the local bulletin boards in Ramat Bet Shemesh? Well, my source is impeccable. But for those who continue to harbor doubt take a look at the photos at Rafi’s Life in Israel blog. Read what he has to say. Then tell me it didn’t happen!
Tuvia Stern deserves our support. Not just in word but in deed. He is a man who cares about Klal Yisroel. And did what he could… what he felt was necessary to stop these Charedi terrorist thugs from terrorizing their communities.
There are community leaders in Ramat bet Shemesh that have at best been reticent about taking a public stance on this issue. As someone who lives in Ramat Bet Shemesh has said, they very quickly sign on to a public call to observe the highest standards of Tznius. But when it comes to signing on in equal measure to a public call condemning these these Charedi terrorist thugs… they have thus far not done so in equal measure. Have they taken out an ad in a magazine similar to the one calling for Tznius observance? I doubt it.
Again, illustrating my point about their greater obsession with Bein Adam L’Makom then with Bein Adam L’Chavero.
The Mishna in Nedarim corroborates what I have said many times on this blog. Some Jews care more about violating Hilchos Terumah that they do about killing another Jew! One is allowed to make a false Neder based on the fear of such people. These Charedi terrorists are such people!
The Rabbanim of Ramat bet Shemesh need to change course and focus on the larger issue of Pikuach Nefesh. Peoples lives are in danger. These people are capable of murder! I have no doubt about that.
The entire community of Ramat Bet Shemesh A, Charedi and Dati alike ought to unite. This outrage transcends all Hashkafos. The goal is to rid this community of the Charedi terrorist thugs primarily by putting them in jail for a long time... to the maximum extent of time the law provides for these crimes. There has to be maximum cooperation with the police.
The homes of the Ramat Bet Shemesh Rabbanim should be peacefully picketed. The Rabbanim of Ramat Bet Shemseh A should unite in opposition to the violent Charedi terrorists and lead the way in demanding that the entire community cooperate with the police. To the extent possible Rabbanim from Ramat Bet Shemesh B be should be invited to join forces with them. Those Rabbanim that refuse should be publicized as terrorist sympathizers in magazines, newspapers, and billboard posters.
One of my sources has informed me of a planned demonstration that is to take place tonight in Ramat Bet Shemesh at 7:00 PM local time. The location is at Nahar HaYarden 9. I urge as many people attend as possible and I hope that the crowd contains as many Charedim as Datim.
Another source has actually had contact with the victim’s family. Here is what he told me:
One of the main leaders of the gang of thugs in RBS is Avrohom Yitzchak Mermelstein.
He lives at: 6 Karlin Blvd, unit 304
His phone number is: 845-781-8025
First, I implore all residents of Ramat Bet Shemesh to refrain from any violence against this individual. We are not the terrorists. But this individual should not be left alone either. He needs to know that there will be consequences to his actions. He needs to be picketed peacefully but relentlessly. He should never be allowed to go anywhere without the escort of picketers… potential witnesses to his crimes of terror, whether they be directly committed by him or instigated by him.
Let Tuvia Stern know that we stand by him and that his acts of courage that resulted in his being so severely being beaten will not be in vein.
Post script: My source arranged for me to speak to the victim. I got off the phone with him moments ago. He graciously consented to give me his e-mail address:
tuvya.stern@yahoo.com
Please send letters of support.
Updated: 1/21/07/ 10:00 AM CST
