Former Assemblyman Dov Hikind Blasts Satmar Protest Against Israel as ‘A Tragic Embarrassment’

BROOKLYN – In a fiery interview on the Zev Brenner Radio Show Saturday night, former New York Assemblyman Dov Hikind sharply criticized the Satmar community for organizing a major protest against the State of Israel, scheduled for Sunday in Manhattan.

Both Satmar factions — the Aronim and the Zaloynim — are uniting for the first time since 2013 to stage a joint rally opposing the Israeli government’s proposed draft of yeshiva students. The last such demonstration, held at Foley Square, drew tens of thousands.

Organizers say the timing of the protest reflects Satmar’s long-held policy not to rally against Israel while the country is at war. With fighting in Gaza now paused following the ceasefire brokered by President Donald Trump, they argue that the time has come to voice opposition to what they call “gezeiras hagiyus,” the decree of conscription.

Hikind, however, denounced the rally as “an absolute disgrace,” accusing its organizers of being trapped in the past. “Are these people still living in the 1960s?” he asked. “They receive massive support from the Israeli government — housing, education, welfare — and yet they march against the very country that sustains them. It’s ridiculous.”

He called the planned protest “a dangerous and shameful spectacle,” warning that “what the Satmars are doing is not a game.” Hikind said, “It’s heartbreaking for the Jewish people that this can even happen. The idea that some in Satmar believe they are holier than everyone else — it’s beyond arrogance. It’s delusional.”

Hikind also pointed out that no other major Chassidic group — including Belz, Bobov, or Ger — is participating in or supporting this event, either in New York or in Israel. “This is not a mainstream Chassidic position,” he said. “The rest of the Chassidic world knows better than to embarrass Am Yisrael at a time like this.”

He added that the demonstration only serves to embolden Israel’s enemies. “This kind of event gives Hamas and other terrorists a reason to celebrate,” Hikind warned. “They see Jews protesting against Israel and use it as propaganda to justify their terrorism. It’s fuel for their hate.”

Hikind further noted that with antisemitism surging around the world, this type of public demonstration “is totally inappropriate” and dangerous. “It gives fodder to antisemites everywhere who are already looking for excuses to attack Jews,” he said. “This isn’t the time to hand them more ammunition.”

The former lawmaker also suggested that the protest could have political fallout in New York City. “Events like this make the Jewish community look divided and weak,” he said. “It plays right into the hands of politicians like Zohran Mamdani, who’s running for mayor and has made a career out of attacking Israel. Why give him more ammunition?”

Hikind emphasized that Satmar is entitled to its opinion and has every right to protest, but urged them to use better judgment. “I have no issue with people expressing their beliefs,” he said. “But there has to be sensitivity. Right now, with everything Israel is facing, this is absolutely not the time.”

He noted that during his years in office, he worked closely with both Satmar Rebbes and often helped their communities. “I have no animosity toward Satmar,” he said. “They’re wonderful people, and I respect their dedication. But this event — at this time — is simply ridiculous.”

He concluded by calling on the broader Jewish community to reject the divisive message of the rally. “At a moment when Israel is fighting for its survival,” Hikind said, “the Jewish world should be standing together — not tearing itself apart.”