Donald Trump gathering produces unlikely reunion of Satmar Rebbes
Two estranged Satmar Rebbe brothers, leaders of opposing Hasidic factions, met face-to-face for the first time in decades during a gathering of Jewish leaders with Donald Trump. The event was notable for the rare fraternal reunion and the presence of various anti-Zionist ultra-Orthodox leaders at the White House.
Why it matters
The meeting represents a significant shift in internal Haredi community dynamics and highlights the complex relationship between certain ultra-Orthodox groups and US political figures.
In perhaps the most surprising news to come out of US President Donald Trump's meeting with US haredi leaders today, the two Satmar Rebbes shook hands and spoke face to face for what is likely the first time in several decades.The two Rebbes, Reb Aharon Teitelbaum and Reb Zalman Leib Teitelbaum, are brothers. Their father, Rabbi Moshe Teitelbaum, had appointed Zalman Leib to lead the Williamsburg community and, according to his will, designated him as his successor. Aaron's supporters disputed this, arguing that Aaron, as the elder son, should succeed their father. When Moshe died in 2006, both brothers were proclaimed Rebbe by their respective followers, creating the two factions.President Trump just met with Jewish leaders at the White House. One man told us this on his way out of the West Wing.
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