Rebbes, Rosh Yeshiva Set for Rare Oval Office Meeting with Trump Ahead of Rosh Hashanah

The delegation of Rebbes and Rosh Yeshiva is set to meet with President Trump at the White House on Thursday, in what would be the first meeting of its kind for this administration.

Thursday’s official White House daily guidance lists a 12:30 PM closed-press meeting in the Oval Office — the same time slot the delegation is expected there.

Belaaz has learned the delegation will travel in Thursday itself, rather than arriving the night before and staying over.

The Rabbanim will first sit down in the Roosevelt Room with senior White House officials, including Jewish liaison Martin Marks and Staff Secretary Will Scharf. They will then join together for a brief meeting with the President in the Oval Office

Several sources — both inside the White House and within the Jewish community — described the meeting to Belaaz as largely ceremonial, framed as an opportunity to thank the President for his support of the Jewish people and to underscore Jewish community backing ahead of the midterms.

Belaaz has learned that the invite list drew some frustration from pro-Israel and Zionist organizations over which Rebbes were included. Sources say the delegation was told in advance not to raise the ongoing IDF draft-arrest crisis with the President during the meeting. Some attendees may still raise personal requests — including a pardon for a jailed individual.

Belaaz has also learned the meeting was pushed for by New York Congressman Mike Lawler, who has been working to help secure Jewish community support ahead of the midterms.

The Skverer Rebbe of New Square is not expected to attend due to his age; his eldest son will attend in his place.

This is a developing story.