Hagaon Rav Yitzchok Zilberstein, the rov of the Ramat Elchonon neighborhood in Bnei Brak and a member of the Moetzes Gedolei Hatorah of Degel Hatorah, advised the mother of a hostage that if her daughter was freed on Shabbos, she should refrain from driving to visit her, as it would constitute chillul Shabbos.
Rav Zilberstein had been meeting with families of hostages during Israel’s war to offer them chizuk and encouragement. Now, as further stages of the hostage release agreement are expected to unfold over Shabbos, the mother of one of the hostages, whose daughter is slated to be freed, sought guidance from the revered posek on whether it would be permissible for her to drive and be mechallel Shabbos to reunite with her daughter.
Rav Zilberstein shared, “She came to me asking for advice on how to handle the situation with her daughter, as she longs to see her. Her daughter is set to be freed on Shabbos, and she wondered, ‘How will I confront this situation, driving to her on Shabbos?'”
The rov advised the mother not to drive but instead to send a picture and a letter, informing her daughter that they would meet after Shabbos is over.
“Then she asked me, ‘What if I can’t control myself. What should I do?’ She was asking, ‘What should I do if I can’t stand waiting?'” Rav Zilberstein said.
According to sources, Rav Zilberstein responded, “If Hashem has shown His kindness and done a miraculous act by keeping your daughter alive, then we must express our gratitude to Him.”
Although Rav Zilberstein did not outright forbid the mother from traveling to see her daughter on Shabbos, he emphasized that it would be “a great bracha” if she could restrain herself and not desecrate the Shabbos.
{Matzav.com Israel}