When the Chassidic movement was founded by the Baal Shem Tov, there was a genuine concern by many Jews that it was just another cult, similar to the Shabatai Tzvi messianic cult which swept across Europe less than a century earlier. People are always wary of the unfamiliar. Imagine what they thought when a teacher's aide suddenly started propagating an entirely new philosophy in Judaism.

The valid concern was that the "kat" (sect), as the chassidim were originally known, would eventually break off from traditional Torah and mitzvahs, and for this reason the misnagdim harassed and afflicted the chassidim whenever possible. Chassidim were excommunicated in virtually every major misnagdic city.

All this lasted for about 75 years; from the inception of the chassidic movement (approx. 1750) until the early years of the nineteenth century. At that time it became clear to the misnagdim that their fears about the chassidim were unfounded. The chassidim were not straying from the path of Torah and mitzvahs, and in fact, the chassidim surpassed the misnagdim in piety and in their meticulous, passionate observance of the commandments.

The 19th century heralded an era of (relative) harmony between chassidim and misnagdim. The leaders of both camps united together to confront and battle the real danger that was being presented to Judaism - The enlightenment (Reform) movement. The cooperation and genuine friendship that existed between the Tzemach Tzedek (the 3rd Lubavitcher Rebbe) and R' Itzale Vilozhiner (of Brisk) is well documented. This friendly rapport lasted for well over 100 years.

At the onset of the 20th century, R' Sholom DovBer and R' Yosef Yitzchok of Lubavitch worked very closely with the Chofetz Chaim, R' Chaim Ozer Grodzenski, R' Chaim Brisker, the Ohr Sameach and others.

After WWII the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneersohn, started a campaign of disseminating the teachings of chassidus to every person possible. Many outstanding members of the misnagdic community were attracted to the beauty of chassidus and became chassidim. At this point, around 25 years ago, the old animosity towards chassidim was - intentionally - rekindled by certain elements within the misnagdic community.

There is no ideology behind this animosity. All the complaints against chassidim have been swept away by 250 years of steadfast adherence to Torah principles. In fact, many, many chassidic practices and values have been adopted by the misnagdim. It is truly unfortunate that there are no real Torah giants today to counteract those elements who wish to sow seeds of hatred amongst Torah-true Jews.