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MK Meir Porush held an urgent meeting Tuesday with U.S. Deputy Ambassador to Israel David Brownstein, following bureaucratic difficulties facing Chabad bochurim from Israel in obtaining student visas needed to travel to the United States for the traditional year of Kvutzah at the World Chabad Headquarters – 770 in Brooklyn, New York.

During the meeting, Porush explained the significance of the Rebbe Melech HaMoshiach’s instruction and established Chabad tradition of spending 13 months in Kvutzah at Beis Chayeinu. He spoke about the dedication and effort invested by generations of Chabad Chassidim to preserve this important tradition, emphasizing its central role in the educational journey of Chabad Bochurim for many decades.

Porush also spoke at length about the worldwide Shlichus network, through which the Rebbe’s Shluchim serve Jewish communities around the world with dedication. He described the movement as a direct continuation of the Rebbe’s deep concern for every Jew, wherever they may be.

As an example, Porush referenced recent reports about the activities of Chabad Shluchim in Georgia under Communist rule, highlighting Chabad’s continued efforts on behalf of Jews even under the most difficult and challenging circumstances. The remarks made a strong impression on those present, with the deputy ambassador sharing that he, too, has received assistance from the Rebbe’s Shluchim during his diplomatic work around the world.

The meeting also addressed the difficulties currently facing many Chassidim from various communities in obtaining visas ahead of the upcoming Tishrei Yomim Tovim. Porush explained that many Chassidim have traveled overseas for generations to spend the Yomim Tovim in the presence of their Rebbe, describing the trips as an important spiritual need whose disruption causes significant distress.

The deputy ambassador received the details regarding the visa difficulties facing both Chabad Bochurim and Chassidim more broadly and pledged to examine the matter seriously with his staff. He said he would respond as soon as possible regarding whether and how U.S. authorities may be able to assist in addressing the crisis.

During the meeting, Porush also presented several rare historical documents following a previous request from the U.S. Embassy for materials documenting the longstanding relationship between the Jerusalem headquarters of Agudas Yisroel and the American diplomatic mission in Jerusalem.

Among the documents was correspondence regarding a meeting arranged with Rabbi Moshe Blau, z”l, the historic leader of Agudas Yisroel, concerning efforts to assist and rescue Jews living under Nazi rule.

Embassy staff were deeply moved by the authentic historical documents, which demonstrate a close relationship dating back at least eight decades between the Jerusalem headquarters of Agudas Yisroel and the U.S. State Department. Embassy representatives subsequently expressed interest in further researching the history and details of the relationship during those fateful years.

Also participating in the meeting were Matthew Sharon, a senior official in the embassy’s political department, and Rabbi Aharon Dovid Davis, head of Agudas Yisroel’s Foreign Relations Department.

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