On December 11, 2025, the Satmar Hasidic community in New York gathered to mark a day that holds deep significance for its followers—the twenty-first of Kislev, the so-called "day of rescue." This annual celebration commemorates what members believe was the miraculous escape of the late Satmar Rebbe, Rabbi Yoel Teitelbaum, during the Holocaust. This year’s festivities drew not only thousands of Satmar Hasidim but also a notable political figure: New York State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani.
Mamdani’s presence at the event was no mere photo opportunity. According to reports, he attended not one but two separate gatherings, reflecting the unique structure of the Satmar community in New York. The community is divided between two brothers—Rabbi Aharon Teitelbaum and Rabbi Yekutiel Teitelbaum—each leading his own faction. Mamdani first visited a large-scale event in an aircraft hangar in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, presided over by Rabbi Aharon, before making his way to Crown Heights for a second celebration led by Rabbi Yekutiel. At both venues, he was met with warmth and enthusiasm from community members, many of whom expressed open and strong support for the assemblyman.
The Satmar movement is well known for its staunch opposition to Zionism and the modern State of Israel. Despite this, or perhaps because of it, the community has become increasingly active in both local and international affairs. Their endorsement of Mamdani—a Muslim politician—was notable. The decision, as reported, came after Mamdani assured Satmar leaders that he would work to protect the city’s yeshivas, the Jewish religious schools that are central to Hasidic life in New York. For a community that often feels embattled by shifting city and state regulations, this promise carried considerable weight.
The Satmar celebration was not only a moment for internal reflection and religious observance but also a platform for political statements. The event even featured a greeting from former United States President Donald Trump. In his message, Trump praised the community’s dedication to faith and education, writing, “By instilling the importance of faith, prayer, and trust in the leaders of tomorrow, you help shape a promising future for generations to come.” He continued, “As president, I remain committed to defending religious freedoms so that every person may live their faith openly and without fear.” The message, read aloud to the assembled crowd, was met with applause and appreciation, underscoring the Satmar community’s focus on religious liberty as a core value.
But the Satmar’s activism does not stop at the city’s borders. In recent months, the community has taken a more visible stance on issues affecting Haredi Jews in Israel. Roughly two months before the Kislev celebration, rabbis from both Satmar factions joined together in a protest outside the Israeli Consulate in Manhattan. This show of unity was itself remarkable, as the two groups typically operate independently and rarely appear together at public events.
The protest was sparked by growing concerns over the Israeli government’s efforts to draft Haredi men into the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). For decades, Haredi Jews in Israel have been exempt from military service, a policy rooted in postwar agreements that recognized the importance of Torah study for the ultra-Orthodox community. However, recent changes in Israeli policy have led to the arrest and imprisonment of yeshiva students who refuse conscription, igniting fears among Haredi Jews worldwide.
At the Manhattan rally, the two Satmar rebbes were present, though each sat among his own followers. The event featured speeches from both American and Israeli rabbis, many of whom delivered sharp critiques of the Israeli government’s actions. Speakers emphasized that, since Israel’s founding, Haredi men had been allowed to focus on religious study rather than military service. Now, they argued, this tradition was under threat. One speaker claimed, “Yeshiva students are being taken into the army,” while another warned that observant Jews “do not feel it is safe to keep religious commandments” in Israel. These statements captured the sense of anxiety and frustration that has taken hold in parts of the Haredi world.
The Satmar movement’s activism around these issues is not new, but the recent protest marked a rare moment of unity and public outcry. It also highlighted the growing sense among many in the community that their way of life is under siege, both at home and abroad. For the Satmar, the struggle to protect yeshivas and maintain religious autonomy is not just a matter of local politics—it’s a global fight.
Assemblyman Mamdani’s participation in the Kislev celebrations and his outreach to both Satmar factions did not go unnoticed. His willingness to engage directly with the community, listen to its concerns, and publicly pledge support for the yeshivas earned him praise from attendees. The Satmar’s endorsement of Mamdani, in turn, signals their intention to build alliances with political figures who prioritize religious freedom and educational autonomy, regardless of religious background. In a city as diverse as New York, such cross-cultural alliances can carry significant weight, especially when it comes to sensitive issues like education policy and religious rights.
The Satmar community’s stance on Israel remains a point of contention, both within the broader Jewish world and in New York’s political landscape. Their opposition to Zionism and the state’s military policies puts them at odds with many mainstream Jewish organizations. Yet, their advocacy for religious freedom and educational independence resonates with other minority groups who also worry about government intrusion into their traditions. The Satmar’s ability to mobilize large numbers for protests and celebrations alike demonstrates their ongoing influence in the city’s social and political life.
As the Satmar movement continues to navigate the challenges of modernity, political engagement, and global Jewish identity, its leaders and followers remain steadfast in their commitment to the values that have sustained them for generations. Whether in Williamsburg, Crown Heights, or the streets outside a foreign consulate, the Satmar community’s voice is one that demands to be heard. For politicians like Zohran Mamdani, the message is clear: support for religious freedom and educational autonomy is not just good policy—it’s essential for earning the trust and backing of one of New York’s most vibrant and complex communities.
The events of December 11, 2025, and the weeks leading up to it, serve as a reminder that the intersection of faith, politics, and identity remains as dynamic and contested as ever in New York City. As the Satmar community looks to the future, its leaders and allies will no doubt continue to shape the city’s debates over religious rights, education, and the meaning of community itself.
