Former Media Figure Ari Geller Discusses Personal Transformation and Spiritual Longing
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Former media personality Ari Geller discussed his personal and spiritual transformation, including growing peyot and expressing a deep longing for God. He attributed his return to growing peyot to observing their prevalence in the Religious Zionist community. Geller also praised the growth of the Haredi public and expressed his personal support for the right-wing and Prime Minister Netanyahu. He concluded by wishing to see the good in the Israeli people.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Ari Geller, a former media figure, has returned to growing peyot as part of a personal and spiritual transformation.
- Geller expressed a profound "longing for the Holy One, Blessed be He" during a recent interview.
- He observed the growing trend of peyot among the Religious Zionist community, which inspired his own return to the practice.
- Geller praised the flourishing growth of the Haredi public in Israel, both spiritually and economically.
- He stated his personal preference for the right-wing and expressed trust in Torah leaders' decisions on political matters.
Former media personality Ari Geller, who has undergone a significant personal transformation and returned to growing peyot (sidelocks), shared his inner journey and deep longing for God in an interview with network star Shlomi Cohen. Geller, formerly a journalist and senior communications advisor, spoke emotionally about his changes, stating, "I assume it's an expression of the internal processes I've been through." He expressed intense feelings, saying, "I have so much longing for the Holy One, Blessed be He, so much longing," emphasizing the word "so much."
Geller also revealed his efforts to connect with God during his daily routine, admitting, "Father, I'm struggling, Father, I'm in pain." He candidly shared his desire for daily seclusion, a practice he has not yet managed to consistently maintain, stating, "This is something I have not yet merited."
When asked if his new appearance signified adherence to Breslov Hasidism, Geller explained that he grew up in the Breslov Hasidic tradition but removed his peyot in his twenties. He noted that the desire to grow them back was sparked by observing their prevalence in the Religious Zionist community, which motivated him to reconsider.
Geller also commented on the national situation, highlighting the growth of the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) public, which he described as "flourishing, prospering, progressing." He sees this growth manifesting spiritually and materially. Regarding the possibility of Haredi parties joining a left-wing government, he expressed trust in the decisions of Torah leaders, mentioning Rabbi Dov Lando and the rabbis of Agudat Yisrael, and stated his personal preference for the right-wing and "Bibi."
He concluded the interview with a wish for divine assistance to recognize the beauty and goodness within the Israeli people, and to believe and feel that no evil exists among them. Geller previously worked as a journalist for Yediot Yerushalayim, Maariv, and Makor Rishon, and later became a strategic advisor to politicians and public figures, having stepped away from the spotlight in recent years.