Shock in Kozhnitz: Emergency Delegation Dispatched After Construction Threatens Ancient Beis Hachaim

A wave of shock and pain has swept through Kozhnitz Chassidim and descendants worldwide following the discovery of a criminal attempt to desecrate the ancient Beis Hachaim in Kozhnitz, Poland. Thanks to the swift intervention of askanim, the desecration has been temporarily halted, but a massive effort is now underway to secure the site permanently.

Under the direct guidance of the Kozhnitzer Rebbe Shlit"a, a special delegation of askanim led by Rabbi Asael Shachaf, Chairman of Vaad Hachnasas Orchim Kozhnitz-Poland, is traveling to Poland today. They are scheduled to meet with representatives of the Polish Antiquities Ministry to put an absolute and final stop to the destruction.

The crisis was uncovered through sheer hashgacha pratis. The Vaad had recently initiated a project to determine the exact borders of the ancient Beis Hachaim. Researcher Meir Bulka, Chairman of the J-nerations organization for the preservation of European Jewish heritage, arrived at the site today at the Vaad's request to conduct advanced GPR (Ground-Penetrating Radar) scans.

To his utter horror, Bulka discovered a local contractor actively excavating the area, digging a trench barely 40 centimeters from the cemetery fence. Tragically, actual atzamos were found rolling on the ground near the excavation site.

The digging is part of a rapidly advancing construction project by a local developer on the grounds of a restaurant bordering the Beis Hachaim. The site is located near the 'Hamernia' lake, known in Chassidic history as "Der Stav," at the lower end of the cemetery. The developer had already dug a trench approximately 100 meters long directly adjacent to the cemetery fence.

It should be noted that the current fence surrounding the Beis Hachaim was erected in 1984. Previous GPR scans conducted by the Vaad had already confirmed the presence of kvarim outside the entrance gate. A warning sign for Kohanim was previously hung in the area but was later torn down by vandals.

Upon learning of the chillul Beis Hachaim, Rabbi Shachaf launched a massive, immediate intervention to halt the digging and respectfully gather the atzamos. The effort is being coordinated with Poland’s Chief Rabbi, Harav Michael Schudrich Shlit"a, who heads the Rabbinical Committee for the Preservation of Cemeteries, as well as the local municipality, police, and the Antiquities Ministry.

The Vaad is closely monitoring the situation to prevent any further desecration. The ancient Beis Hachaim is a site of immense historical and spiritual significance, serving as the resting place of the holy Kozhnitzer Maggid Zy"a, generations of Kozhnitzer Rebbes, Gedolei Yisroel, and thousands of Yidden whose matzeivos were destroyed during the Holocaust.

The emergency meeting with the Antiquities Ministry will leverage the cemetery's status as an official Jewish heritage site. These critical steps are being taken despite ongoing attempts by the local non-Jewish caretaker to interfere with the rescue efforts.

"We thank Hashem for this open miracle," Rabbi Shachaf told the press. "Mr. Bulka arrived at the site today with no idea that this criminal digging was taking place. The exact timing of his arrival allowed us to stop further desecration and chillul atzamos. We are determined to use all legal means at our disposal to stop this terrible disgrace, and we will do everything in our power to protect the honor of the Kozhnitz Jews resting there. I thank Chief Rabbi Schudrich for his dedicated work. B'ezras Hashem, these efforts will bear fruit!"