The destruction of European Jewry during World War II left the Torah world in devastation. The great centers of Torah learning that had flourished for centuries were obliterated, and the yeshiva landscape lay in ruins. Amid this darkness, Rav Aharon Kotler zt”l arrived in America in 1941 with an audacious vision: to rebuild the Torah world on American soil. 
After escaping the horrors of both the German and Soviet regimes, Rav Aharon reached San Francisco on Erev Pesach 1941. Spending the second days of Yom Tov in Chicago, he then traveled by train to the East Coast, determined to save as many yidden as possible and establish a new epicenter of Torah learning that would ensure the continuity of the yeshivas.

Numerous Kabolas Panim for the Rosh Yeshiva 
Recently discovered articles provide detailed accounts of numerous “Kabolas Panim” receptions held for Maran Rav Aharon Kotler zt”l. One such gathering took place on May 21 at the Young Israel Center, 229 East Broadway. The Morgen Journal reported on the event, highlighting Rav Aharon’s heartfelt words and the urgent mission he presented.  
Rav Aharon’s Plea: Sacrifice for Torah
Rav Aharon explained that his presence in America was driven solely by the dire necessity to save those left behind in war-torn Europe. His plea was particularly focused on rescuing the Kletzker Yeshiva and its 300 talmidim. With deep emotion, he declared, “They must be saved, and with Hashem’s help, they will be saved and brought to America.”
The revered Rosh Yeshiva moved the audience to tears as he described the unparalleled sacrifice for Torah being made in Europe. He painted a vivid picture of the struggles endured:
“Everywhere, Torah is being studied—even when doing so means giving up one’s material existence, one’s piece of bread for oneself, for one’s wife, and for one’s child. Torah is still being studied wherever it was studied before.
But the question remains: What will be tomorrow? How can one, under such circumstances, exist as Bnei Torah?”
Addressing the American Jewish community, he proclaimed:  
“On this question, you must provide the answer—especially those who are supporters of Torah, G-d-fearing, and committed to Jewish faith in general. We are confident that Hashem will help those who dedicate themselves to Torah. But if we plead for mercy for them from Hashem the Master of the Universe,” Rav Aharon exclaimed passionately, “we must demonstrate an example of mercy, of human compassion. Help the Vaad Hatzalah to save the yeshivas, particularly assisting the 300 Kletzker talmidim who must be brought to America.”
A Call to Action
This emotional and inspiring address, interwoven with Divrei Torah, left a profound and lasting impression on all present. The assembly resolved to mobilize all rabbis and lay leaders alike to contribute to the rescue efforts for the Kletzker Yeshiva and the broader mission of the Vaad Hatzalah. Rav Aharon’s stirring appeal became a rallying cry for action, galvanizing support for the survival of Torah and its scholars during one of history’s darkest hours.

At a pivotal gathering on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, Rav Aharon addressed a group of young talmidim. In his speech, he described the historical sequence of the transmission of Torah from Rabban Yochanan ben Zakkai through the Rishonim, culminating with the recent Torah giants Rav Chaim Brisker, Rav Meir Simchah of Dvinsk, and Rav Chaim Ozer Grodzinski. He invoked this unbroken chain of Torah to emphasize their own role in continuing the legacy.
“You are the iron links of this chain,” he declared. “Not as dazzling as gold or silver, but essential for the strength and continuity of Torah.” Rav Aharon’s plea inspired the young talmidim to dedicate their lives to learning Torah, laying the groundwork for a transformative movement.

The Early Days in White Plains  
The onset of World War II in Europe forced many North American yeshivah talmidim to return home. These talmidim, who had spent years studying in yeshivos such as Mir, Kaminetz, Slabodka, or Kelm, found themselves back in the United States. Some had even married while in Europe. Upon their return, they were reminded of the very reason they had left America initially: the absence of a yeshivah of the same caliber and commitment as in Europe.

Determined to recreate the spiritual environment they had left behind, these talmidim decided to establish a kollel where they could immerse themselves in Torah and mussar, Rav Hillel Bishko, who had arrived in the United States in 1940, played a pivotal role in the kollel’s creation. The group chose White Plains, New York, a suburb in Westchester County, as the kollel’s location, looking for a Rosh Yeshiva they sent a delegation led by Rav Mordechai Yaffe, to present the idea to Rav Aharon Kotler.

Rav Aharon Kotler Assumes Leadership
Rav Aharon accepted, taking on both the spiritual and financial responsibilities for the fledgling institution. He brought not only his vast Torah knowledge but also his unwavering belief that the Torah world could flourish in America through total commitment to Torah learning.

The Move to Lakewood  
In 1943, Rav Aharon relocated Bais Medrash Govoha to Lakewood, New Jersey. The choice of Lakewood reflected Rav Aharon’s desire for an environment that would allow uninterrupted limud haTorah—a place removed from the distractions of urban life but still accessible to New York.
Lakewood, then a quiet resort town, offered the ideal setting. With the assistance of dedicated supporters, including Irving Bunim and Menashe Rabinowitz, a property on Seventh Street was secured. Renovations began immediately, and by April 1943, the talmidim resumed their learning in the yeshiva’s new home.

A Legacy of Growth  
From its humble beginnings in White Plains, Bais Medrash Govoha grew into a monumental institution, shaping the future of Torah learning in America and beyond. Today, the yeshiva stands as a living testament to the vision and perseverance of Rav Aharon Kotler.

These astounding figures underscore the vitality of the Torah world that Rav Aharon envisioned.
With your support, this unparalleled legacy can continue to thrive. Join in sustaining the dream of the Rosh Yeshiva and be part of the golden chain of Torah transmission—a chain that remains unbroken and ever-brighter. Together, we can ensure that the light of Torah continues to illuminate the world.