Grossman: Sefardi and Ashkenazi No Different

High profile dignitaries from Israel’s political, media and business arenas converged at Hangar 11 at the Tel Aviv port to attend a dinner saluting 40 years of Migdal Ohr’s services, run by the ‘disco rabbi’ Rabbi Yitzchok Dovid Grossman.

Hangar 11 in the Tel Aviv port is not exactly the place where one would expect to see haredi rabbis. But sixth-generation Jerusalemite and Israel Prize-laureate Rabbi Yitzchok Dovid Grossman, founder of the Migdal Ohr youth village which is home to some 6,500 youngsters at risk, is not your regular haredi rabbi. Some people call him the disco rabbi because over the years he has frequently been seen at nightclubs. No, he’s not a rebel on a wayward path; he’s trying to save those who are already there, especially if they are minors who, in the right environment, can be taught to become law abiding, productive citizens. This week, Migdal Ohr celebrated its 40th anniversary, and considering some of the places where Grossman has found his flock, Hangar 11 was an entirely appropriate venue.

Grossman is a frequent visitor at Beit Hanassi, so it was only natural for President Shimon Peres to show up at the 40th anniversary festivities. Grossman has developed special relationships with heads of the business community as well as with politicians. He’s had to to get support for his institution. One of his leading admirers and supporters is Nochi Dankner, chairman of the IDB Group, who was honored for demonstrating concern for youth at risk.

Another admirer is former Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) chief and current chairman of the Board of Directors of Bank Mizrahi Tefahot Jacob Perry. Among the politicians who came to celebrate with Grossman were Kadima chairwoman Tzipi Livni and Shas leader Eli Yishai. Master of ceremonies was Avi Kushnir, who managed to hold the attention of the 600 guests. Among the faces in the crowd were those of Liora Ofer, Eliezer Fishman, Sharona and Shmuel Schnitzer, Irena Shalmor and Amos Shapira on the business side and on the political side Education Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Minorities Affairs Minister Avishay Braverman.

A euphoric Grossman, whose family came to join in his celebration, declared: “Tonight we are all as one. It is already planned that at the end of days when redemption comes, there will be no religious, no secular, no Ashkenazi, no Mizrahi. We will all be as one.” Guests were charmed by 56 Migdal Ohr youngsters who sang together with a professional choir, and who proved that, with a little TLC, there’s hope for almost everyone.

Rabbi Grossman is closely affiliated with Chabad, having participated in many of their famous events for underprivileged children in the country. Most recently, he shared in the tragedy of the loss of one of the Shluchim Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg, with whom he is related.

Source: Jerusalem Post – 15 Tevet 5771 (22.12.2010)