Rabbi Benzion Kruman Was Murdered—But We Are All Victims!

Last week’s terror attacks in Mumbai hit the Jewish world like a gunshot to the heart. We reeled in shock and pain, and trembled in fear and angst, as we waited for news and hoped to greet survivors. But as the story unfolded and details emerged, we recoiled in horror.

The six kedoshim murdered in the attack were tortured horrifically. One doctor who examined the victims post-mortem said, “of all the bodies, the Israeli victims bore the maximum torture marks.” There is no rational explanation for such treatment—and in fact, no rational explanation for the inclusion of India’s Chabad House in the terrorist’s plan. The nondescript building did not come close in grandeur or fame to the landmark Taj Mahal Hotel; nor was it a major thoroughfare, such as the Victoria train station. It was chosen only because it represented the Jewish people.

As such, the victims are not just those who were in the Nariman House on Wednesday evening. We are all victims—every Jew, everywhere. It is a chilling thought. It is also a great responsibility. It is up to us to ease the pain of those who suffered most.

But there is a small measure of comfort in the pain. Clearly, the terrorists could not determine the success of their venture. Only the Almighty could orchestrate events, and determine mi yichyeh u’mi yamus—who would live and who would die. The victims, and those who survived, clearly were destined to be where they were at the fateful moment, for reasons beyond human comprehension. Likewise, we were destined to hear their stories, learn their lessons, and act upon them.

Rabbi Benzion Kruman, Hy”d, of Bat Yam, Israel, was clearly chosen from Above to be a korban tzibbur, a holy sacrifice. Rabbi Kruman arrived at Chabad House shortly before the attacks. He was scheduled to leave India that evening, and came to the Chabad House before his flight, to daven Minchah and take leave of the Holtzbergs. He was found, obviously tortured, amongst the other kedoshim. Zaka volunteers and others who entered the building after Indian commandoes cleared it are not disclosing the exact nature of the torture, but it is clear that he suffered greatly.

The timing of his trip is remarkable. Rabbi Kruman, a kashrus supervisor, had initially planned to travel to India several weeks earlier. He postponed his trip, apparently because he could not get a visa.

Rabbi Benzion Kruman, 27, was known and beloved in Bat Yam as a Torah scholar and baal chesed. He was an alumnus of the Bobover Yeshiva in Kiryat Bobov, Bat Yam; and of the Tchebiner Yeshiva. His warmth and kindness extended to all, and he took great joy in helping others. Although he worked for many hours each day, he would let nothing interfere with his evening learning session. Rabbi Benzion was especially dedicated to his young family—his wife and three little children.

As a kashrus supervisor, Rabbi Kruman endured long absences from his family, difficult flights, and trips to exotic environments, where kosher food and amenities were difficult to find. In this way, he served the Jewish people; braving difficulties, to ensure a high level of kashrus in the community. Now the community he served is left to take his place.

We must ask ourselves what we were chosen to do. Clearly, the attack was meant to shake our equanimity; to rattle our collective conscience, and bring us to repentance. And clearly, as part of our teshuvah, we must ensure the future of Rabbi Kruman’s orphans—a four and a half year old, a toddler, and a newborn infant.

The Kruman children will probably never remember their wonderful father. But when they are grown, they will learn about his shocking brutal death, al Kiddush Hashem. They will learn that he was tortured; that his blood was spilled, only because he was a Jew. And they will hear that the entire world prayed and wept for him and for them, his young orphans, for days. Some of the things they will hear will haunt them, as they haunt us today. But we can hope that they will be comforted when they hear of the Jewish world’s response to their tragedy.

As part of that response, the community has formed the Kruman Foundation, to support Rabbi Benzion’s widow and orphans. The fund is led by prominent rabbis and leaders including the renowned Professor Aaron Twerski; noted psychologist and author, Dr. Abraham Twerski; Rabbi Fabian Schonfeld, rabbi of Young Israel of Kew Garden Hills; Rabbi Berish Goldenberg of Los Angeles, Rabbi Yechiel Kaufman, rav of the Sefardishe Shul in Boro Park, and others. Rabbonim urge the community to send generous contributions to the fund. All contributions are tax-deductible.

The attack in Mumbai will go down in the annals of Jewish history, and the martyred victims will take their place amongst the millions of kedoshim who gave their lives al Kiddush Hashem. As a people who fight hatred with love and cruelty with compassion, we can hope that our response will bring about the ultimate salvation, when all tears will be dried, and the dead will rise to greet Moshiach.

Please make checks payable to Chasdei Shloime, and mail to the Kruman Foundation c/o Rabbi Aron Twerski, 1444 38 Street Brooklyn, N.Y. 11218 or at www.krumanfoundation.org.

By Frimet Blum
www.5tjt.com/