After a lengthy discussion on the challenges facing El Al Airlines, the Rebbe told North American director, “In order for the flights to stay safe, and in order for El Al to succeed, El Al must observe Shabbos.”
After a lengthy discussion on the security challenges facing El Al Airlines with its North American director David Shine, the Rebbe suddenly said to him:
“In order for the flights to stay safe, and in order for El Al to succeed, El Al must observe Shabbos.”
Mr. Shine was surprised. “What does observing Shabbos have to do with preventing hijackings?” he asked.
“If El Al’s planes will not be in the heavens on Shabbos, then the heavens will protect their planes the rest of the week,” the Rebbe responded.
Mr. Shine’s nephew, Dr. Chaim Shine relates, “Although my uncle considered himself a non-believer, I know that the Rebbe’s words had a strong impact on him. Indeed, a few years later, when there were great debates regarding whether El Al should stop flying on Shabbos, he was one of strongest supporters of discontinuing those flights.”
From The Weekly Farbrengen by Merkaz Anash
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