Satmar Rebbe Explains Meeting With President Trump

The Grand Rabbi of Satmar revealed to his students in Kiryas Joel why he agreed to meet with then-President Donald Trump at the White House. During a Sabbath meal with students from his yeshiva, the Rebbe explained that while initially hesitant due to his immersion in religious studies and the approaching High Holy Days, he ultimately accepted the invitation.

He stated that his decision was influenced by a past experience approximately 30 years prior, when a similar meeting led to assistance for a Jew in distress. The Rebbe saw the current meeting as a potential opportunity to help another Jew facing hardship. He also expressed hope that the meeting could help address the contentious issue of drafting yeshiva students in Israel, stating, "We hope we can intercede with the President to assist in this situation."

The Rebbe further elaborated on the significance of the meeting in relation to Jewish prayer, recalling a past statement that when reciting the blessing "who has not made us gentiles," one should direct their intention not at ordinary gentiles, but at the most prominent gentile, the President of the United States. He emphasized that even a single Jew is more valuable than any gentile, regardless of their status.

Concluding his remarks, the Rebbe urged his students not to be distracted by the event, stressing that their Torah studies, specifically on the topic of "half a lesson," were far more important than the political engagement. He advised them not to neglect their studies or get caught up in "all this Trumpism."