Trump Meets Satmar Rebbes in Rare White House Gathering

President Donald Trump held a rare meeting at the White House with the two rebbes of the Satmar Hasidic dynasty, Rabbi Aaron Teitelbaum and Rabbi Zalman Leib Teitelbaum, coinciding with the Rosh Hashanah holiday. This marked the first face-to-face encounter and handshake between the two brothers, who lead separate branches of the Hasidic group, after decades of internal division. The meeting was also noted as the first of its kind between Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) Jews and a sitting U.S. president since the 1970s.

One attendee described the significance of the meeting, stating, "Today, for the first time in more than 50 years, the President of the United States had the opportunity to meet with the rebbes of the largest Hasidic group, with representatives of the Hasidic public identifiable by their dress, and with Jews who are visibly identifiable as Jews, like myself." The participant added that they had the chance to thank the president for his actions benefiting the United States.

The Satmar Hasidic movement is one of the largest Hasidic groups globally, with a significant presence in both Israel and the United States, particularly in New York. The group is known for its strong opposition to Zionism and the State of Israel. The meeting's occurrence, especially given the movement's political stance, is considered noteworthy.