Our Inspiration - No-one Alone or Forgotten
The Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, leader of the Lubavitch Movement was revolutionary in his vision for crime, punishment and subsequent reentry into society. He strongly emphasized that those who have been incarcerated are always human beings with infinite potential.
The Rebbe felt that the goal of incarceration was not punishment but an opportunity to self- reflect, improve and start a new life. During a farbrengen in the late 1970’s, the Rebbe issued a call to remember those all too easily forgotten. The elderly, the infirm and the incarcerated. Chabad Houses around the world responded with unprecedented efforts in this direction.
Watch this video of the Rebbe speaking in 1976 on the topic "Prisoners are People"
Read about the Rebbe's vision on prison reform Prison and Reform - A Torah View