The telegram, whose photo is published here, begins with the words: “Long live our King, the holy Rebbe SHLITA King Moshiach,” followed by the names of the family members. This telegram was sent to the Rebbe by the wife of Rabbi Gershon-Mendel Gorelik in 1972.
The Rebbe responded to this telegram on 11 Nissan (his birthday), acknowledging its receipt and wishing the family blessings in preparation for Pesach.
Rabbi Gorelik’s son, Rabbi Yosef, recounted that starting from the sending of this telegram, his father received letters from the Rebbe addressing him as Rabbi and Gaon, in addition to other titles.
It is worth noting that for many years the Rebbe frequently responded positively to the chassidim identifying him as Moshiach. To the eyes of the world, he encouraged the chassidim’s singing: “Long live our Rebbe, mentor and teacher, King Moshiach forever!”