Satmar Rebbe Defends Mayor Medadani, Warns Against Provoking Host Nations
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
The Satmar Rebbe publicly defended New York Mayor Zorhan Medadani against antisemitism accusations by ultra-Orthodox groups, warning that such attacks provoke host nations and endanger Jewish community safety. He urged adherence to traditional Jewish teachings on living peacefully in exile, citing Jeremiah's command to seek the peace of the city.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Satmar Rebbe Rabbi Yekutiel Yehuda Teitelbaum defended Mayor Zorhan Medadani against antisemitism claims.
- He condemned ultra-Orthodox campaigns as dangerous provocations threatening Jewish community safety.
- The Rebbe cited Jeremiah's command to seek peace with host nations during exile.
- He warned that labeling Medadani antisemitic escalates tensions and risks communal security.
- The Rebbe criticized similar provocations occurring both in Israel and the U.S.
- His remarks call for restraint and adherence to Torah ways to maintain peace in exile.
In a rare and notable intervention, the Satmar Rebbe, Rabbi Yekutiel Yehuda Teitelbaum, publicly defended Zorhan Medadani, the mayor of a New York city, against a campaign led by some ultra-Orthodox groups accusing him of antisemitism. Speaking at the annual memorial event for the "Vayoel Moshe" of Satmar in Kiryas Joel, Monroe, New York, the Rebbe condemned these attacks as dangerous provocations that threaten the safety of the Jewish community. He emphasized the traditional Jewish principle of "seeking the peace of the city" where Jews live in exile, citing the prophet Jeremiah's command to the Jewish people in Babylonian exile to pursue peace with their host nations.
The Rebbe criticized the campaign for labeling Mayor Medadani antisemitic, calling it an irresponsible act that escalates tensions between Jews and other communities. He warned that such provocations risk inflaming host nations and undermining communal security. The Rebbe also lamented that similar provocations are occurring not only in Israel but now also in the United States, urging Jews to adhere to Torah ways and accept the realities of exile without inciting conflict.
This statement has sparked significant discussion within Jewish communities in the U.S., highlighting divisions over how to engage with political figures and broader society. The Rebbe’s remarks underscore a call for restraint and caution in public discourse to maintain communal peace and security.
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