Reb Avrohom Elimelech of Karlin הי"ד was brutally killed by the Lithuanians and Germans during WW2. Before the war he was in Eretz Yisroel. He said there are black clouds over Europe, and he awakened his followers to Tefillah. Some of his followers tried to do actions that he does not return to Europe and stay in Eretz Yisroel for safety. When he realized this, he said he must be with his flock in their time of need and will have a קפידא [be Makpid - admonish], if such actions are continued. As the Germans YM"S were closing in on Karlin and the end was evident, his followers from Eretz Yisroel arranged visas and an escape route for the Rebbe and his family. As the Rebbe and his family were already on the wagon, about to depart Karlin, a landsman (fellow resident) approached the Rebbe and said "Rebbe vemen lozt du unz iber?" (Rebbe who are you leaving us with?) Hearing these words, the Rebbe stepped down from the wagon, and his family followed suite. May Hashem avenge their blood.
- As heard from Reb Shraga Brizel Shlit"a.
When the Bochur (Ephraim Chechik) went to accept a Brocha from the Rebbe R’ Avrohom Elimelech of Karlin ZY”A HY”D, before going to Eretz Yisroel, the Rebbe said, “Ich bin eich mikaneh” (I am envious of you). The bochur thought this was since he would merit to be in Yerushalayim, near the remainders of the Holy Beis HaMikdosh, may it be speedily rebuilt in our days. The Rebbe sensed the thought and replied “Ich bin eich mikaneh ahz du vest zein bye Reb Zalmen! (I am envious of you, as you will be by Reb Zalmen Brizel ZT”L).
- Gilyon Mateh Aharon
