Diary of a Telephone Operator: "There Are Groups, Like Hidabrut, That Will Fight Me. We'd Better Stop Here"

The uncompromising efforts of Hidabrut in combating assimilation have prevented much suffering among at-risk Jewish girls. Many women who had developed relationships with minorities and found themselves within a sticky web were able to escape from these dire situations with the help of Hidabrut activists.

This amazing story, which demonstrates the proactive presence of the assimilation department in preventing downfalls, was shared by a close friend of the business owner involved. It is a story that easily could have ended in tragic assimilation, but the surprising and incredible ending saved it from a terrible devolvement.

The account involves a religious woman who owns a successful business and is a mother to ten children, some of whom are married. She and her husband, living in the south, managed a profitable wedding hall and catering service. Over the years, they decided to renovate the hall completely. As she was the dominant force in the business, she visited daily to oversee the construction. The work manager from the nearby village, who worked under a Jewish boss, began to develop a friendship with her, showing himself to be very empathetic. She soon discovered they shared common interests and jokes. This light atmosphere melted away rules and warnings, and she found herself drawn to these conversations more and more.

Her friend, who shared this story, was in regular contact with the business owner and heard stories that should have raised red flags. She tried as a friend to stop the chatting with the work manager, but was shocked by her response: "He's not like everyone else. He's so gentle. He even sensed intuitively that I wasn't getting along with my husband. I wish my husband would treat me like him, and learn from him how to compliment and understand what bothers and hurts me." Her friend couldn't believe her ears and started explaining that even when things start nicely, the slide is quick, and she could find herself in a deep pit. But again, the business owner replied: "I'd never end up in that situation. We're just friends because we enjoy it. He's like my emotional therapist. Plus, you know that with my husband, I can't have such a level of friendship. And it's all short-term, as the renovation work is concluding. I trust you to keep this between us." Her friend kept the promise, hoping to be a loyal friend. Meanwhile, the business owner was captivated by his charm, even though it was purely a friendly relationship. He told her he had a wife and children and wasn't looking for adventures. Yet invitations from him began, asking her to visit him in the village. She was deterred by the idea, but not by the sweet friendship. As the renovation neared completion, she felt it would be hard to part, and in a moment of weakness, she suggested visiting him.

To her astonishment, he said: "That would be a trap. If my boss finds out, I could lose my job. Among you, Jews might hear about our relationship and come after me. There are organizations, like Hidabrut, that will stop at nothing to prevent this connection. You must know that. I have my wife in the village, and I'm not looking for trouble. So, it's best we stop here." He turned away and vanished.

It turns out he knew about Hidabrut's assimilation department, which operates behind the scenes with employers who hire minorities, raising awareness to protect at-risk girls and women from employees; taking legal actions from above to prevent relationships leading to personal tragedies and family destruction.

It was a great miracle that another tragedy was averted, and thus, in a wonderful way, this upright predator in this case released his prey from his clutches.

This business owner had a special privilege; she stood on the brink of an abyss by her own choice. She didn't consider for a moment the sages' saying, "Do not believe in yourself until the day of your death...", and without strict adherence to the boundaries our wise men have foreseen, only Hashem protected her and pulled her back.