By Mark Finkelstein, NewsBusters
Of all the genres of interviews, those conducted by the media with family and friends of victims of tragedy are among the most difficult and often least successful.
A remarkable exception to that rule comes in the form of the interview David Gregory conducted on this morning’s Today show with Rabbi Shalom Paltiel, who was a friend of the Chabad couple murdered in Mombai and is a fellow member of the Chabad movement.
Gregory demonstrates knowledge and sensitivity, and Rabbi Paltiel exhibits a faith and optimism in the face of tragedy that people of all faiths should find inspiring.
I encourage people to watch. The exchange is dignified, lacking in the kind of maudlin sentimentality that can occur in this kind of interview. And with an absence of bathos, the rabbi gives a wonderful explanation of who the Holtzberg couple were, what the Chabad movement is about, and how it looks to the future.
Rabbi Paltiel spoke very well. I also saw him speak on Friday morning. He definitely gave over a great message to everyone watching! It was a big kiddush Hashem!
For representing Chabad so well, and speaking so beautifully. What a kiddush Hashem!
mazing Rabbi Paltiel
http://www.cnn.com/video/?/video/living/2008/11/30/fof.rabbis.mumbai.attacks.cnn
this is a lovely interview. just to mention, the jew who named his child Rivkah, is actualy a frumer Lubavitcher yid. He did not know the Holtzman’s personally, so it is still unbeleiveable and emotional that they choose to take this step.
I agree with you, comment #2, this is a perfect time to get the world to demand Moshiach from G-d. We should all stop what we’re doing, wherever we are on Tues at 12 noon NY time and scream ‘Ad Mosai’ but that doesn’t preclude us from saying it now and, (G-d forbid, if Moshiach is not here by then) after as well. I watched Shalom Paltiel and was impressed by the menchliche way he spoke. He made a real kiddush Hashem and kiddush Lubavitch. But. We must not be cowards at this time. It takes bravery, courage and discernment… Read more »
i agree with you. Rabbi Paltiel spoke beautifully and THIS IS a perfect time to impress on the world at large, that now we must all add in act of goodness and kindness, for one purpose only. To bring Moshiach NOW and reunite Moishele with his parents
besides for the OBM, was beautiful
Rabbi Paltiel spoke so well. So inspiring and moving. What a wonderful opportunity this was for him to conclude that Chabad will double its efforts in the work they do AS THAT WILL HASTEN THE ARRIVAL OF MOSHIACH! As he said the world is sensitive to anything right now and would have accepted that with open arms. people would have welcomed some positive aspect to look forward to as a happier conclusion to this unbearable, unfathomable monstrous tragedy! Please shluchim, put your personal agenda’s aside and remember the goal (MOSHIACH).
Anyone have a better solution?? I’m listening…..
wow, thanks so much for posting wat ana mazing kiddush hashem, im really inspired.