Trump meeting brings estranged Satmar Rebbes face to face for first time in decades

In a remarkable turn of events, two Satmar Rebbes, Reb Aharon Teitelbaum and Reb Zalman Leib Teitelbaum, met face to face for the first time in over half a century during a recent visit to the White House by US President Donald Trump. The meeting, which took place between the two estranged brothers, sent shockwaves throughout the haredi community.

Reb Zalman Leib leads the Williamsburg faction, while Reb Aharon leads the community centered in Kiryas Joel, New York. The two Rebbes' disagreement stemmed from their father's will, which designated Zalman Leib as the successor, despite Aharon being the elder son. After their father's death in 2006, both brothers were appointed Rebbe by their respective followers, resulting in the division of the Satmar community.

During the White House meeting, Reb Aharon reportedly expressed his congratulations to his brother on his grandson's recent engagement. The gathering also marked the first meeting of its kind in the Oval Office in more than 50 years. Attendees included leaders from various Hasidic dynasties, such as the Satmar, Skver, Bobov, and Vizhnitz, as well as those from the Beth Medrash Govoha yeshiva in Lakewood, New Jersey. All participants are anti-Zionist and oppose the existence of the State of Israel.