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The meeting began in the Roosevelt Room, where White House Jewish liaison Martin Marks, who had worked for months to arrange the gathering, opened the session. White House Staff Secretary Will Scharf also addressed the group.
Rabbi Yoeli Rosenfeld of Bobov, Rabbi Gedalya Segedin of Satmar, Kiryas Joel Mayor Yisroel Moshe Spitzer and other community representatives raised concerns affecting the Orthodox and Haredi communities.
Significant attention was given to the conditions facing Jewish prisoners in federal and state prisons across the country. Rabbi Aaron Teitelbaum, the Satmar Rebbe of Kiryas Joel, has lately become increasingly involved in advocating for Jewish prisoners and their religious needs.
The discussion also included efforts to protect Chareidi educational independence from New York state requirements, as well as concerns facing Kiryas Joel, which has more than 50,000 residents.
Vance joined the meeting midway in the Roosevelt Room and personally greeted the rabbis and other dignitaries around the table.
He praised the Jewish community’s strong emphasis on family and education, saying both issues are close to him. He also asked about the different colors of the Rebbes’ bekitches.
Yossi Gestetner joked that the color depends on their bank account balance, drawing laughter from the room. Gestetner later confirmed to VIN News that he did, in fact, make the remark as a joke.
At the beginning of the gathering, the two Satmar Rebbes, Rabbi Zalman Leib Teitelbaum of Williamsburg and Rabbi Aaron Teitelbaum of Kiryas Joel, warmly greeted one another and exchanged brachos.
Rabbi Aaron also wished his brother a mazel tov on the engagement of a grandchild, which had been finalized the previous night.
The Vizhnitzer Rebbe of Monsey arrived somewhat late.
Part of the delegation was later brought into the Oval Office for the meeting with Trump. Rabbi Malkiel Kotler was seated first, followed by Rabbi Zalman Leib Teitelbaum and then Rabbi Aaron Teitelbaum.
Rep. Mike Lawler was present, while Kushner joined the Oval Office portion of the gathering.
Rabbi Aaron later held a private meeting with Trump lasting roughly 10 minutes, with Kushner also present. The discussion included pidyon shvuyim and efforts involving Jewish prisoners and captives.
Afterward, other members of the delegation were brought into the Oval Office to meet Trump.
In a particularly memorable moment, Rabbi Aaron recited the traditional bracha for the welfare of the president and government, “Hanosain teshuah lamelachim.” Rabbi Segedin translated the blessing into English for Trump.
Trump appeared visibly moved by the gesture and showed clear respect for the Satmar Rebbe.
Rabbi Aaron thanked Trump for his support of the Jewish community and specifically recalled his administration’s reopening of synagogues and Jewish institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic. He then raised additional concerns facing the Haredi community.
Rabbi Aaron Mendel Twersky, representing the Skverer Rebbe, spoke briefly and delivered a letter from his father to Trump. Trump asked about the Skverer Rebbe’s well-being.
Rabbi Malkiel Kotler was invited to address the president but instead handed Trump a private letter outlining several matters.
Rabbi Aaron also gave Trump a written note containing issues that had been discussed privately. Trump placed the note in a drawer at his desk.
The meeting concluded after nearly half an hour in the Oval Office, with the rabbis and Trump exchanging thanks before the delegation departed.
Marks had been working for several months to arrange the gathering as an opportunity for the rabbis to offer Rosh Hashanah greetings and express appreciation for the administration’s support of Orthodox Jewish institutions and communities.
“ Yossi Gestetner joked that the color depends on their bank account balance, drawing laughter from the room ”
Way to break stereotypes!!!
No one brought a kappel for Jared?
What’s the meeting all about ?
These pictures will make great Succah posters!!!
Did they show the clip of Trump dancing to the song I DON’T NEED YOUR BEKITCHE?
Was there any other occasion where all these particular ADMORIM met together in the same room?
Nohr Trump ken brengen alleh Rebbes tzuzamen!
What happened to chabad they usually love this stuff?
It is good to see community leaders bringing their concerns to those in power. Protecting educational independence and advocating for those in federal and state prisons are important efforts. These are the kinds of issues that need clear, consistent support.
When a community identifies a need, it often falls to dedicated individuals to organize and act. This process requires structure. It ensures the work continues and resources are used well. Organizations like ours provide that structure, so community leaders can focus on the mission. We handle the operational details. A fiscally sponsored fund can give a charitable home to these advocacy efforts. It provides IRS-aligned support, so the focus stays on the cause itself.
Toameha was available in the rose garden
Historic meeting between two brothers. The fact that there were other people in the room doesn’t take away from the historic moment.
Looks like Trump is trying to make a “tishe” ;;;;;;;
It is good to see community leaders advocating for the needs of Jewish prisoners, especially regarding their religious observance. Pidyon shvuyim, the redemption of captives, is a mitzvah that takes precedence, and any efforts to alleviate suffering are commendable.
Was there any substance to this meeting or was it just performative? Did those rabbis push the president on releasing much needed FEMA funds to NJ or other real world issues?
I hope the gedolim brought up the topic of daylight savings time with the president. Does anyone have any info on that?
Why didn’t Rabbi Makehil Kotler not do the Brucha??
Trump wanted to hear it with a chassidisha ha’vorah. Just like Vishnitz in Monsey if you do not speak the Chasiddisha Ha’vorah you cannot daven for the Amuid. No joke there is a sign near the amuid saying that.
Shame on All of You. Never again do I want to hear about curbing spending “Takonos”. How much money did you piss away on private Jets to save yourselves 15 – 30 minutes?? Its only a 3.5 to 4.5 drive. People dont have money to eat, what is this “Private Jet” flying? Where did you see this by Gedoilei Yisroel? Who The old Satmar Rebbe Z’L? No he went by boat economy in a cabin with a shared Bathroom , in Marmorosh Vishnitz?? Did the Holy Sanzer Zeide Z’L fly this way? Did Reb Aron Z’l fly this way? Stop preaching to us about luxuries. SHANA TOVA TO ALL. PS Didn’t Reb Aaron coin the phrase “Da Trumpisten”? Has he now joined the club?
The only one missing was Nareri Karta –
Sorry… Sorry… there were two of them there
Shame on All of You. Never again do I want to hear about curbing spending “Takonos”. How much money did you piss away on private Jets to save yourselves 15 – 30 minutes?? Its only a 3.5 to 4.5 drive. People dont have money to eat, what is this “Private Jet” flying? Where did you see this by Gedoilei Yisroel? Who The old Satmar Rebbe Z’L? No he went by boat economy in a cabin with a shared Bathroom , in Marmorosh Vishnitz?? Did the Holy Sanzer Zeide Z’L fly this way? Did Reb Aron Z’l fly this way? Stop preaching to us about luxuries. SHANA TOVA TO ALL.