כי תאמר בלבבך רבים הגוים האלה…לא תירא מהם זכר תזכור…לא תערץ מפניהם…(עקב ז:יז-יח,כא)

The Bilgoray Rav zt’’l once traveled from Bilgoray to Belz before World War II.  Anti-semitism was already rampant in those years throughout Poland.  Traveling on the train, a few ‘gangsters’ started up with the Bilgoray Rav.  A nobleman, a fellow passenger who had initially been from Belz and served as a police officer in Belz, noticed the scene.  He recognized the Bilgoray Rav as being from the Belz Rabbinical dynasty, and warned the gangsters to stop provoking the Rebbe, saying: “He is a great Rabbi and they should watch out since the Rabbi can cause them harm.” 

The nobleman then stood over the Bilgoray Rav for the rest of the journey, but needed to get off at a station before Belz.  He asked the Bilgoray Rav if he wanted him to protect him and escort him until his stop.  The Bilgoray Rav appreciatively declined, saying that people recognize him in Belz, and he will manage on his own.

When the Bilgoray Rav arrived in Belz, he went to his brother Maran Reb Aharon of Belz zt’’l and shared what had transpired on the train. When Maran heard the story, he gave a ‘krechtz’ – groan and exclaimed: “It is hard times – times of שנאת ישראל – the hatred towards Yidden is great!”

Maran shared that there is a non-Jewish doctor who is known for not being an anti-Semite; however, there was a town gathering and the doctor spoke badly against the Yidden. Maran explained: “The reason isn’t because he is an anti-Semite, this is the current vibe and he wants to appease the crowd.”

Maran continued: “There are two opinions on how Moshiach will come.  One opinion holds that Moshiach will come when there is חסד ורחמים – goodness and mercy.  The other opinion holds the opposite.  Hashem should help that the halacha should rule that Moshiach should come through חסד ורחמים.