Donald Trump's sweeping victory in the U.S. presidential election has shaken the world, though some people weren’t very surprised by the results. Jewish members of the Chabad Hassidic sect involved in Trump’s visit to the grave of the Lubavitcher Rebbe in New York on the anniversary of the October 7 massacre claim they knew the outcome ahead of time.
“Prayers at the Rebbe’s grave and support for Israel don’t go unanswered,” they said. “Trump — President Trump — didn’t come for a photo-op. He took the visit very seriously. He prayed in memory of those murdered in the Simchat Torah massacre, held a photo of one of the hostages, wore a black yarmulke, read a prayer and fully understood and honored the moment’s importance.”
Trump’s visit to the grave of the Lubavitcher Rebbe
(Video: Donald Trump election campaign)
They stressed that the Lubavitcher Rebbe didn’t want them to be involved in politics and that he made a point of welcoming people from across the political spectrum over the years — right and left, Jewish and non-Jewish. “However,” one of them added, “it was clear to us that the moment Trump came to pray at the Rebbe’s grave, his victory was assured.”
Ynet learned on Wednesday that one of Trump’s close confidants, who recently spoke with him about the prayer at the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s grave, was former U.S. ambassador to Israel David Friedman, who’s emerging as a likely candidate for a high-level role in the next U.S. administration. Friedman himself regularly prays at the Rebbe’s grave, especially before making serious decisions.
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Trump holding photo of Israeli hostage Edan Alexander during his visit
(Photo: Michael M. Santiago / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / AFP)
The U.S. Secret Service faced significant challenges during Trump’s visit to the site in October, partly due to the two assassination attempts on him and partly due to the cemetery’s policy of remaining open around the clock to all visitors. Solutions were ultimately found to ensure the continued flow of worshippers alongside Trump’s strict security detail.
The Kfar Chabad newspaper, the Chabad movement’s global outlet, sent its issue to the press early, even before American networks announced Trump’s victory. The headline read “President Trump,” printed on the front page next to, of course, a picture of Trump at the Rebbe’s grave, donning a large black yarmulke, head bowed in prayer.
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