A day after the violent attack by dozens of extremists in Jerusalem, the Karlin-Stolin Rebbe broke his silence and delivered an unusual message to his followers.
At the beginning of his remarks Wednesday morning, the Rebbe first addressed the conduct of his hasidim at the scene and expressed deep appreciation for their dedication.
Kikar Hashabbat quoted him as saying, "You fiercely defended the honor of the celebration and the honor of the groom and bride in a stronghold of extremists who have no boundaries."
However, immediately after praising their conduct, the Rebbe delivered an unequivocal message against any attempt to respond with violence, warning his followers in no uncertain terms against being drawn into violence or responding to provocations by the rioters.
"The use of force is not the way of the Torah and is not our way," he stressed. "Even when faced with serious incidents, we must preserve the purity of our camp and not descend into the ways of violence," calling for calm and for adherence to educational and moral values contrary to the conduct of the attackers.
On Tuesday night, violent clashes erupted on Avinoam Yellin Street in Jerusalem during the Karlin-Stolin Rebbe's visit to his study hall. The Rebbe had arrived to participate in his grandson's bar mitzvah celebration.
Upon his arrival, dozens of haredi extremists gathered outside the study hall and began protesting against him. The demonstrators shouted harsh insults at the Rebbe, including, "Get out, impure one."
The protesters later attempted to prevent the Rebbe from leaving the study hall, leading to violent clashes between the demonstrators and Karlin hasidim.
Several people were injured during the clashes, and at least one was evacuated to a hospital for treatment.
The Karlin-Stolin Rebbe is known for his relatively open approach on various issues compared to positions common in parts of the haredi community, and his views have sparked controversy among extremist haredi circles over the years.