Confusion Satmar: Rebbe was stripped at the airport • The solution: private flights
The Satmar Rebbe concluded his vacation in Miami and arrived at the local airport, where a 'surprise' awaited him • guards ordered him to remove his outer clothes, despite pleas by his lenders
- B'Chadrei Charedim reporter
- ב' שבט התשע"ג
While the Israeli airport authorities respect the rabbis and rebbes who wish to leave the borders of the country on their way abroad, apparently, the strict laws formulated in the United States since September 11, do not distinguish between important personalities and common people, and rebbes are required to remove their clothes when going through security check.
That was the fate of the Satmar Rebbe, when he arrived at the airport in Miami, Florida, where he resided for several weeks. The Rebbe was asked to go through the e-gate for security check, but the warning mechanisms buzzed and warned that he carries metal items on him.
The gabbaim who were with him tried to explain to the security people that he is one of the most important figures in the U.S., and the meticulous inspection is abject to humiliation and disgrace to the Rebbe who is the community leader of thousands of people. Even lobbyists close to the authorities tried to use their influence that this is a Grand Rabbi. But the grim guards were unmoved by the pleas and clung to strict and dry procedures of the airport authorities.
The Rebbe was forced to empty his pockets, but the metal detector held by the security guards kept beeping loudly. Next thing, the Rebbe was required to remove his clothes and go back through the security check gate, to ensure that he does not carry a 'gun' or a metallic item, and so on, which may not be taken on the plane. Only after a few minutes of testing involving contempt and indignity, the entourage continued on its way.
The Satmar chassidim felt deeply hurt. "This is the price of a commercial flight," said community leaders. But no anymore. In light of the sad situation that was the lot of the Rebbe, it was decided among the leaders of the chassidim that henceforth the Rebbe will fly on private flights to avoid such examinations. "Despite the costs involved, we cannot allow the same situation to happen again and the honor of the Rebbe stands above all." They explained.
That was the fate of the Satmar Rebbe, when he arrived at the airport in Miami, Florida, where he resided for several weeks. The Rebbe was asked to go through the e-gate for security check, but the warning mechanisms buzzed and warned that he carries metal items on him.
The gabbaim who were with him tried to explain to the security people that he is one of the most important figures in the U.S., and the meticulous inspection is abject to humiliation and disgrace to the Rebbe who is the community leader of thousands of people. Even lobbyists close to the authorities tried to use their influence that this is a Grand Rabbi. But the grim guards were unmoved by the pleas and clung to strict and dry procedures of the airport authorities.
The Rebbe was forced to empty his pockets, but the metal detector held by the security guards kept beeping loudly. Next thing, the Rebbe was required to remove his clothes and go back through the security check gate, to ensure that he does not carry a 'gun' or a metallic item, and so on, which may not be taken on the plane. Only after a few minutes of testing involving contempt and indignity, the entourage continued on its way.
The Satmar chassidim felt deeply hurt. "This is the price of a commercial flight," said community leaders. But no anymore. In light of the sad situation that was the lot of the Rebbe, it was decided among the leaders of the chassidim that henceforth the Rebbe will fly on private flights to avoid such examinations. "Despite the costs involved, we cannot allow the same situation to happen again and the honor of the Rebbe stands above all." They explained.
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