The Protests Against Chillul Shabbos

Unlike other extremists, Rav Ahrele was a tzaddik and an ohev Yisroel (lover of every Yid). His kano'us rose from emes, from his unceasing search for truth and his unyielding Ahavas Hashem, Ahavas HaTorah and Ahavas Yisroel. Rav Eliyohu Shteinberger, the same witness and author, told several stories that show this.

Rav Amram Bloi, whom Rav Ahrele greatly admired for his staunch opposition to the Zionist ways, organized protests on Shabbos against the chillul Shabbos caused by soccer games in Yerushalayim, which were drawing thousands of Yidden. Rav Ahrele and his chassidim joined the protests, and for two Shabbosos in a row he sent all his chassidim, adults and bochurim, to take part. Afterward Rav Ahrele saw that the bochurim might be harmed by seeing inappropriate things, and he forbade them to join any further protests.

Rav Amram was upset and sent Rav Shteinberger to persuade Rav Ahrele to send the bochurim again. Rav Ahrele was adamant. He sent Rav Shteinberger back with this message: "Tell Rav Amram in my name that if he takes upon himself complete responsibility for the sin, should the bochurim see unsightly, forbidden things and blemish their holy eyes, then I will send them on that condition." Rav Shteinberger delivered the message. Rav Amram was afraid to accept such a responsibility, and the bochurim did not take part.