Rabbi Mazuz’s Final Public Statement: Don’t Visit The Anu Museum (Former Diaspora Museum)

JERUSALEM (VINnews) — Less than a month ago, just a week before the esteemed Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Meir Mazuz zt”l, fell ill, he received a delegation from Yad L’Achim at his home. It is now clear that the public statement he signed during that meeting was the last such declaration to emerge from his residence.

The visit to the rabbi’s home was prompted by a disturbing exhibit currently on display at the “ANU Museum” (formerly Beit Hatfutsot- The Diaspora Musem) in Tel Aviv, which presents intermarriage as something legitimate. Yad L’Achim had previously approached the museum’s management, demanding the removal of the offensive display, but their request was met with blatant disregard. “This is especially painful given that the museum, by definition, is intended to address the Jewish people and its identity, and was established under special legislation to present the story of the Jewish nation,” the organization emphasized.

Picture of ‘Jewish’ family at ANU museum

Upon being shown various images from the exhibit that encourage assimilation, Rabbi Mazuz was visibly shocked. He expressed deep sorrow and said emphatically: “Assimilate? Heaven forbid. That must not be done! It is forbidden! For 2,000 years we didn’t assimilate, except for a few individuals who converted. We preserved our identity. Therefore, these ideas must not be introduced.”

It’s worth noting that following the rabbi’s comments, which were made public on the eve of Pesach, many observant families refrained from visiting the museum. Yad L’Achim now says that, with the passing of Rabbi Mazuz, they are confident that the vast majority of the religious and charedi public will avoid the museum entirely. “In the past, Yad L’Achim has asked the public to avoid various venues due to their indirect support for missionary activity or assimilation, and the religious community responded by ‘voting with their feet’—until those venues realized their mistake and changed course,” the organization recalled.

In connection with the rabbi’s passing, Yad L’Achim also noted that Rabbi Mazuz zt”l was a consistent supporter of their efforts to save souls and redeem captives, and warmly received their representatives over the years. Just recently, a delegation visited him with a young man who was born to a Jewish mother and non-Jewish father who had returned to full observance. The young man came to receive the rabbi’s blessing before entering yeshiva. The rabbi welcomed them warmly, was impressed by the youth’s Torah knowledge, and blessed him to grow into a great Torah scholar. He also praised the emotional mother for returning to her Jewish roots and raising such a Torah-observant son.