The secret visit of Rav Yisrael Hager of Vizhnitz to Prime Minister Netanyahu

At the time, the meeting was shrouded in secrecy, but in recent weeks, more details emerged of the late-night visit of Rav Yisrael Hager of Vizhnitz to Prime Minister Netanyahu. The Rebbe went to discuss private matters with the government leader, but wanted the matter kept quiet.

One of those who accompanied him recalls how when they returned to Bnei Brak after the 3 a.m. appointment, the Rebbe asked the driver to pull over near the side of the road. The Rebbe walked back and forth for a few minutes, and then they continued home.

He asked the Rebbe what the break had been for, and the Rebbe explained. When he left his home, he’d told the attending hoiz bochur that he was going out for a shpatzir, a walk, and that the young man could go to sleep.

In order to keep his word, he felt he should indeed go for a short shpatzir before going home.

(Originally featured in Mishpacha, Issue 817)