By COLlive reporter
Moving details about Sholom Mordechai Rubashkin’s life in the Linn County Correctional Services in Cedar Rapids were revealed this week by a close friend.
Speaking at a Tehillim gathering Wednesday for Rubashkin in Lakewood, NJ, the publisher and editor of the Yated Neeman newspaper, Pinchos Lipschutz, said Rubashkin spent his days learning and davening.
The night before the sentencing hearing this week, Lipschutz told a crowd at the Bais Medrash Govoha, Rubashkin called asking to learn with Lipschutz’s son Dovid’l.
“A night before standing in front of a judge who can send him for life in prison.. What does he want? to learn,” Lipschutz said in a heartfelt speech.
BMG’s Roshei Yeshiva Rabbi Malkiel Kotler and Rabbi Dovid Shustal were in attendance and listened attentively.
Rubashkin, 51, a former executive at Agriprocessors and founder of Postville’s Jewish community, was convicted of 86 counts of financial fraud.
He now awaits a May 27, 2010 ruling on how long he will be in prison.
The Anti-Defamation League, among other Jewish groups, protested that prosecutors deemed Rubashkin a flight risk merely by virtue of the fact that he is Jewish, and thus could escape to Israel.
Five former U.S. Attorneys General have written letters to the judge in defense of Rubashkin and Jewish leaders said the recommended life sentence was “vindictive and excessive.”
Speech – part 1:
Speech – part 2:
There are no if’s and but’s. If he was a blood relative you would do it. Lead by example and let me know when will we be marching arm in arm – Chassidish, Litvish, Orthodox, Conservative and Reform. It’s time to stand up and show the world – NEVER AGAIN!!!
Kain yirbu achidus bklal Yisroel
unbelievable ahavas chinam! this has changed my worldview. moshiach now!
well said
Wow
wasent rabbi kotlers drasha added he spoke that evening to
Million Man March in Washington like never seen before. Which Jewish leader will step up to bat and get this organized. If I was younger, I would do it.
Rabbi LIpshutz’ bakoshos should go straight up to shomayim and sholom mordechai halevi ben rivkah should be home with his family BEFORE Shabbos!!!!!!!!
May Hashem bentch Reb Sholom Mordechai with freedom right now.
i have taken several hachlatos!
very nice, zal der oibershter take rachmonos haben
Reb Pinny has stood shoulder to shoulder with the Rubashkins. Yasher Koach. He is the editor of the USA Yetad which has no connection with the Israeli paper, they are totally different publications.