By COLlive reporter
A widely watched video of the Rebbe speaking to a father of an autistic child has recently been viewed by a person who says he has autism himself and was deeply moved by what he heard.
While the Rebbe’s sensitivity to every Jew is well-known, recordings of direct interactions between the Rebbe and individuals with special needs, or their parents, are quite rare.
Since discovering the video in their archives, the staff at JEM contacted the family and after 6 years they gave their permission to publicize the clip. JEM explained that the Rebbe’s words would be a source of strength and inspiration to other families with facing similar challenges.
The video of that encounter at 770 Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn, NY, took place on 4 Tammuz, 5751 – June 16, 1991. It was posted in 2012 and has since garnered 62,871 views. On Facebook, it received 427,000 views.
Last week, a YouTube user named Parker French happened to come by the video and wrote a comment about how it has impacted him.
“I’m autistic and I’m actually going to cry right now!” he publicly wrote. “Hearing somebody say I am loved by HaShem makes me feel so at peace. I am not a disturbance or a curse- I am just as worthy to serve and love our God as anybody else. God bless this rabbi, such a good hearted man!”
VIDEO: The Rebbe on Autism
PART TWO: The father of the son with autism who asked the Rebbe for a blessing, returns with a good report:
Very moving and touching.
It has tons of views on Facebook
Thank you Collive for posting this.
The Rebbe was so sensitive. Thank you JEM!
The Father is cantor Joseph Malovany with his wife Beatrice.