Standing at the breach was one man: the Sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn (1880–1950), known among Chasidim as the Frierdiker Rebbe. His later successor and son-in-law, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, would turn Chabad into a global force in the second half of the 20th century.
But the foundations of that future were laid by Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak –charged by his father, the Fifth Rebbe, Rabbi Shalom Ber Schneersohn, to risk everything to preserve Jewish life under communism.
Shortly before his passing in 1920, Rabbi Shalom Ber predicted the eventual disintegration of the Soviet Union, “a country dedicated to destroying Judaism will ultimately crumble”. He foretold the death of Lenin, downfall of Trotsky and fate of Stalin. Instructing his son to remain unflinching in the face of the persecution that was to come.
While many great rabbis fled Russia to save their yeshivot, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak chose bold defiance. He created a clandestine Jewish educational network that would last until the Soviet Union itself collapsed. At its centre stood the Rebbe and nine devoted Chasidim who entered into a secret pact in 1924 – an oath never to reveal their identities and to sustain Jewish life until their final breath.
They became the generals of a hidden army that spread across Russia: when a teacher was arrested, another appeared; when a school was shuttered, one opened nearby; when Jews starved, aid was smuggled in from abroad.
Their impact was immense. The Israeli Mossad began covert operations in the USSR in the 1950s, Prime Minister Yitzchak Shamir later remarked, “In every community we found a clandestine Jewish system orchestrated by the Rebbe in New York.”
This underground network also organized the daring 1946 escape of roughly a thousand Chabad followers from Soviet territory, bringing to the West a committed cadre that would become the vanguard of Chabad’s global outreach. One of those was Rabbi Benzion Shemtov, despatched by Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak to London and the UK’s first official Chabad shaliach.
Most importantly, this secret minyan created a culture of self-sacrifice and unwavering commitment. As Chabad emissaries across the world have faced challenges in reinvigorating Jewish life, we have often looked to those who risked imprisonment, torture, and death in the Soviet gulag for the sake of Torah. Our difficulties pale beside their courage.
Rabbi David Eliezrie[Missing Credit]
In an era of rising antisemitism, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak’s determination serves as a model. Today many Jewish organisations adopt strategies of apology or assimilation – “We Jews are just like you,” or “Look at the liberal values we share.”
By contrast, the Rebbe confronted hatred with unapologetic Jewish pride. He refused to bend to his oppressors and, instead of diminishing Judaism to survive, insisted on strengthening it. That is what happened in the wake of the tragic attacks in Sydney.
While Jewish groups condemned the violence, most focused on the need to enhance security. Around the world’s Chabad message, while acknowledging the security concerns, was one of pride and determination, calling for a increase in Chanukah celebrations.
In 1924, the Rebbe and nine Chasidim swore an oath to keep Judaism alive no matter the cost. A century later, Chabad stands as the backbone of Jewish life across the former Soviet Union. Globally, its emissaries carry that same legacy – never compromising Jewish ideals, yet embracing every Jew with open arms.
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At a time when some counsel hiding the Magen David, removing the kippah, or seeking accommodation with those who mean us harm, the Rebbe’s example teaches the opposite: be strong, be proud, and meet antisemitism with more Judaism, not less. His unyielding commitment remains a compass for how Jews must stand today – undaunted.
Undaunted, How the Sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe, Saved Soviet Russian Jewry, Reimagined American Judaism and Ignited a Global Jewish Renaissance, Rabbi David Eliezrie, Toby Press, is out now
Rabbi Eliezrie, a senior Chabad shaliach in California, will be speaking at Chabad Golders Green on January 15 and Chabad Belgravia January 16-17
Top image: Undaunted: the Sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe
