Reb Berel Gurevitch was trapped behind the Iron Curtain long after most chassidim had left. When he finally managed to leave Russia, in the late 5720’s, he wasted no time in making his way to Rebbe.

At his first yechidus, the Rebbe asked Reb Berel to relate all that had transpired back in Russia. Reb Berel unloaded his heart, sharing with the Rebbe the details of his suffering for Yiddishkeit and his harrowing experiences in the Soviet gulag.

After hearing all the details attentively, the Rebbe posed a question:

“Are you ready to forgive the Yid who massered (tattled) on you?”

Reb Berel was taken aback. But he immediately caught his composure and said, “Yes, I am willing to forgive him.”

“Good,” the Rebbe replied. “If so, the years that you sat will not be counted…”

Indeed, Reb Berel lived a remarkably long life.

(As heard from Rabbi Yosef Mishulovin – Detroit)

From The Weekly Farbrengen by Merkaz Anash