By Dovid Zaklikowski for COLlive and Hasidic Archives
When David Deitsch asked the Rebbe how he could assist Israel in 1973, he was expecting to be told to make a donation to one of the many Chabad organizations there.
To his surprise, the Rebbe told him, “Israel needs industry. There are many immigrants coming to Israel. I suggest you build a plant in Israel.”
The owner of the New Haven-based Deitsch Industries began exploring the possibility of an Israeli division. It was clear from the beginning that this would not be a profitable business venture, but rather an investment in the future of Israel.
Mr. Deitsch appointed his son-in-law Meir Zeiler to head the venture. It was difficult going, however. Local bureaucracy put up obstacles, and Mr. Deitsch turned to the Rebbe, telling him that the Israelis seemingly “don’t want us, [and] don’t need us.”
“They need you, and you need them,” the Rebbe calmly told him. “A lot of people need you, and they will have great benefit from the factory.”
In 1979, after much sweat and millions of dollars, Flocktex Industries opened its doors in Kiryat Malachi, manufacturing upholstery and curtain fabric, most of which is exported. The company employs over 150 workers and has become a model for other factories in the area.
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