Vizhnitz and Satmar Rebbes End Years-Long Rift in Surprise Call

The Rebbe of Vizhnitz and the Rebbe of Satmar, who are also brothers-in-law, held a surprising phone conversation on Thursday, ending a rift that had lasted several years. The reconciliation effort was initiated about a year and a half ago when Rabbi Yaakov Mordechai Hager, Av Beis Din of Vizhnitz Elad, acting on behalf of other brothers, contacted the Satmar Rebbe while the Vizhnitz Rebbe was in Los Angeles for medical treatment. Throughout the past year, various peace initiatives have been pursued, maintaining a discreet channel of communication between the two sides. Recently, the Vizhnitz Rebbe expressed his pain over the prolonged estrangement to his family. Following consultation with the Av Beis Din of Vizhnitz Elad, Rabbi Chaim Meir Hager, Av Beis Din of Vizhnitz, directly contacted his uncle and his household.

These efforts culminated in the successful phone call on Thursday. During the conversation, which took place in a warm, familial atmosphere, the Satmar Rebbe inquired about the Vizhnitz Rebbe's health and wished him a speedy recovery. The genuine concern and unexpected gesture brought great excitement to the Hasidic community, who have been praying for the Vizhnitz Rebbe's health. The reconciliation has been met with relief throughout the Hasidic world.