Where is Yossele Today? Not Where You'd Expect

The disappearance of Yossele Schumacher is one of the most painful episodes in the history of relations between religious and non-religious Israelis. Schumacher was an eight-year-old boy when his ultra-Orthodox grandfather secretly took him abroad to prevent his return to his secular parents, who the grandfather feared would go back to the Soviet Union. Many observant Jews recall the tense atmosphere of those days, often faced with harassment and bullying simply for their religious appearance, while being questioned angrily: 'Where is Yossele?'

Yossele was found in New York two years later by Mossad agents and returned to his family, calming the country. But where is Yossele today? The newspaper 'B'Kehila' followed the traces of the child and legend—only to be surprised.

In an article published last weekend, it was revealed that at the bar mitzvah of the son of the newspaper's editor, Avraham Dov Greenbaum, Rabbi Yitzchak Dovid Grossman introduced the guest of honor: Yossele Schumacher, who now focuses on bridging gaps among different communities.

Yossele Schumacher has been close to Rabbi Grossman for several years and even visited his late father, Rabbi Yisrael Grossman. "Rabbi Yisrael once told me something that I’ll never forget: In those days, I was involved in your story. Community leaders came to consult with me, and I gave them guidance. If they had acted on my recommendations, the saga might have ended differently. It's a pity they didn’t listen to me.' I quote him every time I speak about the story. When asked 'What's your opinion on the ultra-Orthodox community?' I tell them, understand that not everyone was in agreement—certainly not."

Schumacher is aware of the suffering many religious children endured during the 'Where's Yossele?' period. "A friend of mine recounted how, while standing at a Tel Aviv train station, he was accosted by an incited bully who yelled 'Where’s Yossele?' before pulling out scissors and cutting off one of his sidelocks."

Schumacher has also renewed his connection with the Gartner family, with whom he lived in the U.S. until he was discovered by the Mossad. "They invited me to their home, and I traveled with my wife to the U.S. Mrs. Atil Gartner was still alive. Her son Moshe Gartner, who was about my age, hosted us and cared for all our needs during our ten-day visit."

"I had the chance to talk with the mother. She candidly told me she had no idea about the drama unfolding in Israel. 'I was told there was a child in need of a home and bed, and I agreed without asking unnecessary questions'..."

Schumacher is convinced of the host family’s sincerity, noting: "Anyone familiar with the Gartner's history knows it to be a household of exemplary hospitality and exceptional generosity. They would sometimes even move their own child, Moishy, out of his room to accommodate guests."

Decades after the affair ended, Schumacher holds no bitterness. "The past has passed, but now, thank G-d, with the help of Rabbi Grossman and other friends, I am dedicating my life story to healing and fostering unity in the country. My grandfather's struggle was not in vain. Decades later, and thank G-d, I am observing mitzvot and embracing his path."