Report: Donald Trump to meet with Haredi rabbis who will raise the issue of conscription

US President Donald Trump is expected to meet this coming Thursday at the White House with a series of prominent Haredi leaders, as reported by the Haredi-American news site "BeLaz". According to the report, the meeting, scheduled to take place in the Oval Office at 12:30 (US time), included invitations to the Skverer Rebbe, the two Satmar Rebbes — Rabbi Aaron Teitelbaum and Rabbi Zalman Leib Teitelbaum — the Bobov-48 Rebbe, the Vizhnitz-Monsey Rebbe, and the head of the Lakewood Yeshiva, Rabbi Aryeh Malkiel Kotler.

Within the Hasidic dynasties, it is indicated that during the conversation, the issue of Haredi conscription in Israel may also be raised. The Satmar Rebbe is known for his sharp opposition to the State of Israel and the conscription of yeshiva students, and within the dynasty, it is stated that he intends to raise the issue in his conversation with the President.

An official agenda has not yet been published, but according to reports, the discussion is expected to focus mainly on the struggle against supervision requirements and core curriculum studies in Haredi institutions in New York, on maintaining the independence of Haredi education, and on issues concerning religious freedom. The leaders are also expected to thank Donald Trump for his support of the community and its institutions.

The "Yeshiva World News" site also reported on the meeting, noting that the Satmar Rebbe from Kiryas Joel publicly confirmed that he received an invitation from the White House. However, the final composition of participants has not yet been determined, and some of the Rebbes may send representatives on their behalf. The White House has not yet released an official statement regarding the meeting. It is important to note that even if it does not take place this coming Thursday, the Hasidic dynasties estimate that it will take place within the next two weeks.