Rabbi Yaakov Friedrich, 101, OBM
We are deeply saddened to report on the passing of Rabbi Yaakov Friedrich, OBM, from the Ziknei Hachasidim who miraculously survived WWII, helped rebuild the Jewish community in Holland, and inspired many. He passed away on 12 Tishrei 5783 • Full Story
By Chabadinfo Reporter
We are deeply saddened to report on the passing of Rabbi Yaakov Friedrich, OBM, from the Ziknei Hachasidim, who miraculously survived WWII, helped rebuild the Jewish community in Holland, and inspired many. He passed away on 12 Tishrei 5783.
He was 101.
Yaakov was born on 11 Cheshvan 5682, during the interwar period. Shortly before his birth his father abandoned Yiddishkeit, and then abandoned his wife and children a few years later.
After various hardships, he was adopted by a Frum family in Antwerp, who miraculously rescued him from the hands of a Catholic family where his father left him.
When World War II broke out, he failed to escape from Belgium, and remained in Antwerp, which was occupied by the Nazis, and witnessed the beginning of the deportation and extermination of Dutch Jewry. Since he heard the horrors taking place in the neighboring countries, he disobeyed the instructions of the Jewish police and hid throughout the entire period and miraculously escaped the hands of the Nazis.
After the end of the war, he remained in Antwerp, and established his residence in the city center where he was one of the central figures in reviving the devastated Jewish community. During this time, he became closer to Chabad Chassidus, and became a chossid of the Frierdiker Rebbe.
He would often travel to Amsterdam and hold farbrenges and classes inspiring many and helped translate the Rebbe’s sichos. He also helped establish the Chabad cheder in Amsterdam.
Levaya and Shiva information to be announced
Baruch Dayan Haemes
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