During the First World War, there were denunciations made against the Chortkover R. Israel [claiming] that he was helping Jews evade military service.
Once, there came to him an old broken Jew crying and complaining that his son – an only child must report for military duty and that the Chortkover should pray for him and figure out how to save him.
The Chortkover replied: “I am very sorry that I am not younger – otherwise I would report to serve the fatherland myself – I am unable to do anything for you – your son should report and be a good soldier.
As soon as the Jew heard this he admitted that he was a police spy and that he came to find evidence for the denunciations – since he had seen how wise the Chortkover was, he felt that he must reveal the truth about himself.
I.F.
Joseph Varman
Husyatener Hasid
