Since Mansour's Arrest: More Women Want to Come Home

Since the arrest of Mahmoud Mansour this past Shabbat, there has been an increase in calls from women in distress - as reported by organizations assisting women. In a conversation with Bentzi Gophstein, CEO of Lehava organization for preventing assimilation, he tells Hidabroot that "the number of calls increased since the wedding, not necessarily since the arrest. However, the arrest increased the chances of reaching Morel."

"Awareness has risen - families call to ask us to save their daughter"

"Since the wedding of Morel and Mahmoud," says Gophstein, "awareness has risen among families whose daughters fell into Arab captivity, and among women already in a relationship. Until today they were afraid to reach out, ashamed, tried to handle it in ways they thought were least embarrassing, but since the talked-about wedding, many families realized there are people who can help them, and they felt more comfortable reaching out for help."

Has there been any positive change since Mansour's arrest?

"It's hard to say there's been an extreme increase since the arrest; I generally talk about a large increase since the wedding, as I mentioned earlier. What did happen after the arrest is relief, and the ability to approach Morel more easily. I can say that since the arrest we succeeded in convincing five girls, aged 14-37, to leave their relationships with Arabs. *B"H* five souls, and some of them we are now bringing into a process of returning to Judaism. With the younger ones, it's always harder. They think they know everything. They succumb to money and euphoria, which they don't have at home, while older women understand their situation much more quickly."

Bentzi Gophstein. More calls

How does Morel respond to your attempts since her husband's arrest?

"Unfortunately, she is still in her position and not willing to move."

I ask him if there's a chance she knew all along what her husband does? "We certainly knew," he says. "We knew he was a drug dealer and had been in prison. Where do you think he got the funds to finance the entire wedding by himself? Morel's parents didn't participate in anything related to this wedding's expenses. He has a lot of money, and I'm sorry to say, but I think that's why she went with him. Money blinds, especially girls from homes where this wasn't present."

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How are you taking advantage of Mansour's imprisonment?

"First, there is no doubt that there is great happiness. His place is in prison, and we hope he stays there. There's more breathing room now to try and persuade Morel to leave him. It just makes the situation easier for us. As far as Morel is concerned, we'll do everything to welcome her back beautifully when she returns."

Even if it takes ten years - there is no despair in the world

At some point, don't thoughts of despair arise? Maybe a desire to let go a bit? After all, the girl doesn't want to come back, tries to avoid you, perhaps it even bothers her, don't you relent?

"The Gemara says about an animal, that even if it runs away a hundred times - you need to chase after it and bring it back. Certainly, when it's about a Jewish girl, a daughter of *Hashem*, we will never despair. I know she will return. I know that even if it takes a year, five, or ten years, we won't give up. There are girls we stay in touch with even when we know they don't want to come back. We don't give up on any chance with anyone and believe with complete faith that we will succeed."