By the Grace of G-d14th of Elul, 5739Brooklyn, N.Y.

Greeting and Blessing:

Your letter of the . . . reached me with some delay. Thank you for your good wishes, which I reciprocate in the words of our Sages כל המברך מתברך בברכתו של הקב״ה שתוספתו מרובה על העיקר.

With regard to your writing about your encounter with several teenage boys who told you that they "are being held against their will," etc. - I am rather surprised that you should have taken it seriously, especially as you yourself indicate that it was incredible. Apart from the fact that such an idea is preposterous, especially in the United States, you saw for yourself that the boys whom you met in the street were obviously quite free to come and go as they pleased.

The only explanation I can think of, which fills me with profound sadness, is that unfortunately those who concern themselves with Jewish youngsters from overseas are by and large not Jewish Askonim, but missionary organizations who spare no effort and money to entice Jewish refugees and newcomers in every possible way, including the sending of missionaries who are well trained in Biblical and Talmudic quotations, and are even dressed in the disguise of frum Jews, who know where to come to find these unsuspecting victims.

On the other hand, it is even more dismaying that Jewish organizations and leaders, who should truly be concerned with the fate of Jewish refugees, pay very little attention to them, even in terms of funding activities conducted by a few sincere Jewish workers and institutions that are helping them to remain in the Jewish fold.

However, I do not wish to dwell on a situation which reflects no credit or honor on fellow Jews.

Wishing you and yours כתיבה וחתימה טובה לשנה טובה ומתוקה,

With blessing,