Quito, Ecuador – The Chabad representative in Ecuador, Rabbi Tomer Rotem, was recently kidnapped and released after four days in captivity. The story was authorized for publication just this Saturday night.
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He was kidnapped by unknown assailants. The reasons for his kidnapping were unclear, and he was released four days later just as suddenly.
A demand for ransom was received at the Chabad House. Rabbi Rotem’s wife informed the police and top Chabad officials, as well as Israel’s Foreign Ministry, which stressed that the matter was criminal, and not connected to terrorism.
Rabbi Rotem was released after police had been able to track down the kidnappers and they were arrested, Chabad said in a statement. The incident was kept under wraps throughout the last week as police continued to search for members of the gang.
Editors note: VIN News was asked during the entire episode not to publish the story.
Thank you VIN for not publishing the story and putting this rabbi’s life at risk.
Hodu lashem. Finally some good news for a change. It’s getting more and more difficult to read the news every day. Lets hope this will be the first in a series of good news.
B”H this is amazing. I have some friends from South America that were worried about this last week. It is very good to have a happy ending.
Baruch Matir Asurim
B’H’ that the Rabbi was found alive and well. The Chabad shlichim are very courageous to accept postings all over the world – particularly to small and underdeveloped areas where just observing kashruth is barely possible. In many cases they often subsist mainly on vegetarian diets with occasional overseas shipments of meat and poultry. Yet, no matter where you go in the world, you most often will find a Chabad House with a smiling Rabbi and Rebbetzin willing to share their lot with you every Shabbat. Yasher koach to the Chabad Lubavitch organization for their outreach work. They are simply amazing people.
Baruch HaShem that the Rabbi was found alive & well & that his family can once again be whole! And B’H’ to VIN for not saying a beep until he was returned safe & sound! The Rabbi’s life was worth far more than “catching the story”.
Thank you G-d for such miracles! Especially during these 3 weeks, when things have been so difficult! We know you are still looking out for your children all the time!
Mateer Assurim. How relevant even in our day and age.