Israel-Lebanon conflict of 2000 left thousands dead, hundreds of children were left orphaned and many were left homeless. South Lebanon conflict was devastating on many points. It was a brutal time for the residents of Lebanon and Israel as they were left to seek shelter on their own while the city was being ravage by the military arsenal. Residents of both countries were left without their homes and had no place to live or even sleep for the night. It was in these dark times that Jewish rescue operations were beacon of hope. They collected money not only for the reconstruction of Israel but also of Lebanon. Israel and Lebanon, both countries are important in the culture of Jews. Along with the holy places, Israel as well as Lebanon has it fair share of Jewish population. In the time of conflict, Jewish rescue operations were a relief. From rehabilitation of displaced children to handing out of medical and food items, Jewish rescue operation played a large role in restoration of both countries. Being there, I could see how much good was done by the rescue operations. I had luck of meeting one important person who came with the rescue team all the way from, Brooklyn, USA. He was Rabbi Yaakov Weingarten. As I work alongside him throughout the rescue process, it seemed clear that he was not here for any glory or fame but he actually wanted to work for the people of Israel and Lebanon and help in the restoration of both countries. Serious and somber man, he was saddened by the distress of the people. During all the rescue meetings and discussions, all he wanted to make sure that money that we had raised went into the rehabilitation and betterment of the people. He always prayed to God for his forgiveness. As I came to personally know this Man of God, I realized that being a Rabbi was his calling and from young age he had embarked on the path of God. Born in Jerusalem to a prominent and renowned rabbinical family, at the age of 24, he was efficient in English as well as Hebrew and was appointed Rabbi of Hotels Warner. Rabbi Yaakov Weingarten, along with being an eminent scholar is a voracious reader. I was a joy for me to meet such a great person in making. An extraordinary man, an eminent scholar and a large-hearted person, Rabbi Yaakov Weingarten is a rabbi who teaches his congregation all about being kind and compassionate towards other human beings; a teaching which he himself follows. Author Bio: Russell Rivlin is a volunteer rescue worker who worked alongside Rabbi Yaakov Weingarten throughout the Jewish rescue operation in Israel and Lebanon.
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