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By Chabadinfo Reporter

On a recent flight from Kishinev, Moldova to Israel, a group of around 150 passengers claim that they were taken off their plane and the flight was subsequently cancelled due to a mistake made by the Air Moldova company. According to the passengers, the mistake involved the registration of two individuals with similar names as one person, leading to an issue with seating arrangements on the plane.

Then, in the early hours of Sunday morning, Chabad Shluchim in Moldova were inundated with calls and messages from individuals around the world, including Knesset member Yitzhak Wasserlauf and American businessman David Kushnir, among others, alerting them to a group of approximately 150 Chareidim stranded at Chișinău International Airport in Moldova. The travelers, who were reportedly removed from their flight and banned from the airport, desperately needed food and assistance.

Rabbi Zushe Abelsky and his team at the Chabad House, along with members of the local Jewish community, sprang into action. They rushed to gather supplies and offer support to the stranded, providing them with Kosher food and a place to sleep. Despite feeling unwell and being forced to brave the freezing cold, Rabbi Mendy Gotsel and Rabbi Mendy Axelrod emptied the community warehouses in order to meet the needs of the hungry individuals.

Rabbi Abelsky was contacted by authorities in Chisinau and the airport, inviting the stranded passengers to the central Shul of Chisinau, where they could eat hot meals, daven, and receive any further assistance they required. The Shul, which was recently renovated, was filled with guests davening, eating, and learning as they awaited updates on the possibility of returning to Israel.

“It was clear to us this year that in light of the war and the difficult situation in the area, we must add light,” Rav Abelsky said on Monday. “Indeed, we added lots of light and joy to the Jews of Moldova with 30 different Chanukah events around the country. But we didn’t expect this 31st event…it is a still-unfolding event that will probably last for several more days.”

It is currently unclear when the travelers will be able to leave Moldova, as their next flight has not yet been scheduled. The Shluchim and the Jewish community are working to resolve the issue and expedite the bureaucratic process, but it is possible that the Israelis may be stranded in the country for a few more days. Despite the challenges, Rabbi Abelsky and his team remain committed to supporting and assisting the travelers until the situation is resolved.

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