With the outbreak of World War II, the Germans overran Poland. R. Jehiel Joshua managed to escape to the Russian-controlled zone, from which he was exiled to Siberia. Jews who survived the Siberian work camps testified that the Rebbe was the one who kept their spirit alive. In 1947 he was able to emigrate to Mandatory Palestine and settled in Tel Aviv. He was in the forefront of activity to maintain adherence to traditional Judaism amongst the masses. He was one of the founders of the Chinuch Atzmai educational network, and he served on the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah. He died on the 21st of Shvat 1982 and was buried in the Polish admorim section on the Mount of Olives.