According to this Israeli TV interview, this young man is the great grandson of a previous Satmar Rebbe. He came to Israel and is a Lone Soldier. I have the greatest respect for the Ahava Yisroel of Satmar, they do so much chesed for Jews. Unfortunately, they have an ideological opposition to political zionism that beclouds everything else. It isnt that they dont love Jews ,it is a belief they are taught . Satmar is a fast growing major player in American orthodoxy and numerically,they are only getting bigger.They have a negative influence on the non zionist orthodox because they are tough and do not believe in any form of pluralism, they oppose the State for religious reasons and you cant argue with religious beliefs. To reject their beliefs requires one to do what this young man did, leave his world and travel to another planet. Most people are afraid to do that.Family is so important. Bute, there are many young Satmars who are totally not frum today because of this my way or the highway attitude. If you need help,the Satmar are the kindest,most generous people and they do love all Jews. Its a conundrum.
Posted on: Thu, 18 Sep 2014 10:44:32 +0000