Journalist Who Spoke About the Rebbe to Mubarak Passed Away

Yisroel Katzover, a senior Israeli defense correspondent who had a close connection with the Rebbe and often reported on his security insights, even prompting a surprising question from Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, passed away.

By Anash.org reporter

Mr. Yisroel Katzover, a senior Israeli defense correspondent who had a close connection with the Rebbe and often reported on his security insights, even prompting a surprising question from Egyptian President Mubarak, passed away on 12 Nissan.

He was 78 years old.

A senior Israeli defense and security correspondent for Haaretz, Yediot Achronot, Algemeiner Journal, and Hamodia, Katzover merited several yechidusen with the Rebbe, corresponded with him, and reported on the Rebbe’s guidance regarding matters of state and Israel’s security.

Katzover was involved in several high-profile security events in Israel. In 1976, he reported on chilul shabbos that took place during a government ceremony welcoming Israel’s first F-15 fighter jets. His reporting sparked a public uproar and contributed to the fall of the first Rabin government. It was soon replaced by the first right-wing government in Israeli history, led by Prime Minister Menachem Begin, who personally expressed his appreciation to Katzover.

One fascinating story involving Yisrael Katzover and the Rebbe took place during one of Katzover’s many visits to Egypt in the early 1980s, where he often accompanied high-profile Israeli government officials. At the time, the Rebbe had been vocal in his strong opposition to the Camp David Accords, warning that they posed a serious threat to Israel’s security.

During one visit, Katzover was part of a group of journalists meeting with President Hosni Mubarak. After the meeting, Mubarak asked Katzover to come see him privately in his room. To Katzover’s surprise, the president pulled him aside and demanded, “What does the Lubavitcher Rebbe want from me?”

Katzover was shocked and unsure how to respond to such a direct and unexpected question from the Egyptian president. What followed was a fascinating, half-hour conversation with the Egyptian President about the Rebbe – his views, influence, and concerns – revealing just how far the Rebbe’s voice had reached on the international stage.

Katzover had tremendous respect for the Rebbe and often marveled at the Rebbe’s brilliance and depth, especially in matters of security. He would often say that he learned an incredible amount from the Rebbe.

Yehi zichro boruch

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