Dear All,
Further to an email that has been widely circulated, claiming that the three unfortunate Yeshiva bochurim detained in Tokyo, Japan are being maltreated, allow me to clarify the following:
As a community activist involved in this specific case since it transpired, and a member of the vaad hapoel working under the directives of the Rabbinical advisory board, amongst them Rabbi Dayan C.Y.D. Weis of Antwerp & Rabbi M. Shafran of Bene Beraq, I can confirm that to the contrary, the boys with whom we have been entrusted to steer their defense, are in fact being cared for in the best possible manner.
After much diplomatic efforts, improvements to their kosher dietary allowances have recently been accomplished.
As initiated & lobbied by the askonim, regular medical check-ups are carried out upon the request of our lawyers.
The boys are visited regularly by Rabbis & askonim both stationed locally and who fly in especially to maintain their spirits & good morale.
Our efforts at this time are concentrated on preparation of the legal defense for the pending trial. Several pre-trials have shown some glimmer of hope, & it is only right to share this information with all who are concerned about their welfare.
It is nevertheless of paramount importance that we pray for the continued success of the defense council & askonim; & pray for the positive outcome to this case.
Please be persistent in davenning for all three bochurim:
Yaakov Yosef Ben Raizel
Yoel Zeev Ben Mirel Risa Chava
and Yosef ben Itta Rivka.
Any circulation of unfounded false rumors regarding the welfare of the detainees is detrimental to the legal procedure, destabilizes the good working relationship with the Japanese authorities, distracts the lawyers & devoted askonim from their time consuming & tedious work, and causes the un-informed to lose hope and relent from constant davenning on the boys behalf.
May I sign off with a blessing of good tidings to all.
The Vaad Hapoel