It was a great miracle that another tragedy was prevented, Baruch Hashem. This miracle was particularly surprising, as the predator in this case unexpectedly released his prey.
Assimilation
Diary of a Telephone Operator: “Groups Like Hidabroot Will Fight Me — It’s Better We End This Now.”
How does a married woman find herself drawn into a close friendship with someone from a neighboring village—and how does Hidabroot prevent the tragedy before it begins?
The uncompromising efforts of Hidabroot 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 Hidabroot activists, Baruch Hashem.
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 touch 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 downfall is quick, and she could find herself in a deep, destructive 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 Hidabroot, that will do everything in their power 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 Hidabroot'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.
This business owner had a unique and sobering experience; she willingly stood at the edge of an abyss. She did not pause to consider the depth and truth of our sages’ teaching: “Do not trust yourself until the day of your death.” Without the firm boundaries that our wise scholars established—born of deep understanding and foresight—she could easily have fallen. Ultimately, it was only Hashem who protected her and pulled her back to safety before irreversible damage would have occured.
