Trump Hosts Hasidic Rabbis at White House, Sparks Controversy

President Donald Trump hosted prominent American rabbis at the White House on September 3rd for a reception marking the upcoming Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah. The meeting, which also touched upon the lives of Orthodox communities, expanded tax benefits for large families, and the issue of yeshiva students' conscription in Israel, drew criticism from pro-Israel allies due to the presence of anti-Zionist rabbis.

Among the attendees were two rival Satmar Grand Rebbes, brothers Aaron and Zalman Leib Teitelbaum, leaders of Hasidic communities in Kiryas Joel and Williamsburg, respectively. Also present were presidential advisor Jared Kushner, Vice President Mike Pence, and Republican Congressman Mike Lawler, whose district includes the Hasidic town of New Square. Pence reportedly joked that Hasidic Jews were the only ones with larger families than his own, and inquired about the different colored coats worn by the Grand Rebbes, with one attendee humorously attributing the color choice to "what's left in the bank account."

Rabbi Aaron Teitelbaum blessed President Trump with the Hebrew phrase "ha-noten teshua la-mlachim" (he who grants salvation to kings), which was translated into English. He also presented Trump with a note that the president placed in his desk drawer.

The invitation to the Satmar Grand Rebbes, known for their strong anti-Israel stance, including visits to Iran and expressions of support for Hamas, was met with sharp criticism from within the American Jewish community. Pro-Trump activist Laura Loomer had previously stated that the White House was providing a platform for "anti-Israel rabbis and supporters of Mamdani," predicting backlash from Republican Jews who support the president. Radio host Sid Rosenberg called the invitation an "enormous mistake," asserting that Rabbi Aaron Teitelbaum had no right to be near the president.

The rabbis' request for Trump's assistance regarding the conscription of tens of thousands of yeshiva students in Israel also reportedly caused outrage. A White House source, however, stated that the rabbis thanked the president for his efforts against antisemitism, his support for religious freedom and parental choice in education, and his tax policies benefiting large families. The term Grand Rebbe refers to the leader of a Hasidic dynasty, responsible for guiding Torah study and offering spiritual counsel.