Rabbi "Dismissed" because of his Anti-Vaccine Stance
Rabbi Michoel Green, a Chabad emissary in Massachusetts, visited our bakery in Miami 2 weeks ago. We had a great discussion about health. Yesterday news outlets across the nation reported that he was "dismissed" by Chabad Merkos L'inyonei Chinuch organization for his stance on vaccines and medical freedom.
Rabbi Green gave an amazing response on his facebook page:
"Last week, on January 27th, the outreach arm of the Chabad Lubavitch movement terminated my official status as a representative of their organization, Merkos L'inyonei Chinuch. They also removed our shul from their database of recognized Chabad centers. They did not 'fire' me from my position of rabbi and director of Chabad of Westboro, nor do they have any jurisdiction over our shul altogether. Chabad of Westboro is incorporated as an independent non-profit house of worship, and we have our own board and supporters. We have never received any funding from Merkos or any other Chabad organization anywhere. ........... "Their stated reason is my outspoken views on COVID policy and mandatory vaccine policy, not so much my own views which they described as 'radical' (without offering any explanation), but mainly the fact that I have challenged rabbis who adopted exclusionary COVID policies and have questioned their competence. There is another obvious factor that motivated them to take this extreme action against me for merely stating my rabbinic opinion, but I'd rather not elaborate on it at this time. It will be exposed in due time if their ill-advised decision doesn't get reversed................"
"The reason I contest Merkos' action is because it's not about me at all, but about a much larger issue with far-reaching consequences for Chabad, Judaism, Jewish people worldwide, and all of humanity. In fact, it's precisely out of my devotion to protect the Rebbe's saintly reputation that I am required to contest this move.
"Censorship and suppression of dissent cannot be tolerated in free society. Bodily autonomy and informed consent are sacrosanct. It is a grave departure from Judaic values to engage in such unspeakable behavior, even if one believes there is some perceived societal benefit. To quote the Rebbe, 'the ends do not justify the means.'
"Moreover, we cannot stand by idly while millions of our coreligionists, fellow citizens, and fellow human beings worldwide are pressured or coerced into submitting to an experimental medical procedure that carries significant risks, both known and unknown. Such shocking abuses constitute a grave violation of the Nuremburg Code, and are an anathema in the Jewish faith. The folks at Merkos know this well. Any attempt to condone or tolerate such practice under any pseudo-religious pretext is simply appalling proof that the person's religious values have been subverted. Our Rebbe would be diametrically opposed to such policies, and they know it."
"It should also be pointed out that this error on part of Merkos does not represent rank-and-file Chabad emissaries worldwide, many of whom are deeply troubled by Merkos' ill-advised actions against me and do not endorse censorship of any kind."
Rabbi Green has courageously voiced his opinion on vaccines for the sake of our nation. He should be commended for his efforts, not dismissed! Chabad Merkos L'inyonei Chinuch organization should be ashamed for trying to stifle free speech.
To read the transcript of Rabbi Michoel Green's oral testimony in front of Connecticut legislators click below:
Sources:
to read the full facebook post click below on Mordechai Sones for Arutz Sheva artciles https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/296227
https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/anti-vaccine-rabbi-dismissed-by-jewish-organization/2021/02/04/88599230-6766-11eb-bab8-707f8769d785_story.html
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