During the existence of the United States (established on 17 Tammuz 5536), many presidents have served, and some had close connections with Chabad, the Frierdiker Rebbe and the Rebbe. President Herbert Hoover met with the Frierdiker Rebbe.

Herbert Hoover

Born in 5637 (1877) and died in 5724 (1964), he was the 31st President of the United States from 5689 (1929) to 5693 (1933).

The Meeting with the Frierdiker Rebbe

Expanded topic - The Frierdiker Rebbe's Journey to the United States (5690)

In 5690 (1930), the Frierdiker Rebbe traveled to the United States on behalf of Russian Jewry, and during the visit he was invited to meet the President of the United States, Herbert Hoover.

In the final weeks of his journey, he stayed at the Newton Hotel for several weeks, and on the night of 14 Tammuz at 12 midnight, he traveled to Washington to meet the President. At 7 in the morning of Thursday, 14 Tammuz, he met with President Hoover.

During the visit, the Frierdiker Rebbe thanked the President for the freedom of action he granted to the Jewish people, and for his concern for Jews overseas.

After the visit, the Frierdiker Rebbe returned to New York City.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt

Born in 5642 (1882) and died in 5705 (1945), he was the 32nd President of the United States from 5693 (1933) until his death in 5705 (1945), and was the longest-serving president.

During the Holocaust, the Frierdiker Rebbe sent letters to Roosevelt and the American government in order to save many Jews and Torah leaders who were in Europe, some of which bore fruit.

During World War II, the Frierdiker Rebbe composed a special prayer for the welfare of the President of the United States and instructed that it be printed and distributed among American Jews.

During the relevant period, President Roosevelt provided certain assistance to save Jews, but on the other hand almost hermetically sealed the gates of the United States, and declared war on Germany only at a later stage of the war and not at its beginning as expected. Nevertheless, Jewish leaders, including the Frierdiker Rebbe, maintained contact with him to try to save what was possible.

An explanation for this can be found in a letter from the Rebbe: "Responsible Jewish leaders extensively developed good public relations, and actually even cordial ones with President Carter and his predecessors up to F.D. Roosevelt, regardless of the negative feelings they sometimes openly expressed towards Jews and Jewish objectives."

John Kennedy

John Fitzgerald Kennedy, known as JFK, is famous as the 35th President of the United States, the second youngest. He was born in 5677 (1917), elected president in 5721 (1961) and was assassinated in 5724 (1964).

The assassination occurred in 5724 (1964) as he was approaching a second presidential election. While traveling in a motorcade in an open-top vehicle, 3 shots were fired at him and he was rushed to a hospital where his death was pronounced after rescue attempts.

The chassidim in those days found a hint in a reissued Kuntres Bad Kodesh by the Rebbe, shortly before the assassination.

The Kuntres mentions the special attention that Hashem gives to rulers and kings, and the Rebbe makes his own specific comment on this.

The Rebbe instructed Rabbi Yosef Weinberg to explain this comment on a radio broadcast.

There is a rumor that during a voyage from Europe to America at the beginning of the Holocaust, the chassid Rabbi Israel Jacobson cursed Kennedy's father and therefore the son was killed. Against this rumor, Rabbi Zalman Chanin presents doubts and questions, and in his opinion, Rabbi Dzikobsan and the President's father did not sail together.

Robert Kennedy at the Rebbe

The President's brother, Robert Kennedy, who served as a Senator and also as the Attorney General of the United States, visited the Rebbe. Because of his support for Israel during the Six Day War, he was murdered by an Arab in 5728 (1968).

Richard Nixon

Born in 5673 (1913) and died in 5754 (1994), he was the 37th President of the United States between the years 5729 (1969) and 5734 (1974).

In 5732 (1972), approaching his seventieth birthday, Nixon sent greetings to the Rebbe through the Jewish writer Herman Wouk who arrived in the middle of a farbrengen to deliver the greeting.

The famous attorney Nathan Lewin was the legal advisor during his term.

His Relations with Israel

Expanded topic – War of Attrition

During the War of Attrition, Nixon tried to bring about a ceasefire, but the Rebbe opposed this, claiming that it would give Egypt time to stockpile weapons and eventually they would surprise us. In practice, a ceasefire was signed, and about 48 hours after signing, the Egyptians violated the agreement and attacked Israel.

Expanded topic – Yom Kippur War

During the Yom Kippur War in 5734 (1974), he ordered a shipment of weapons and ammunition to be brought to Israel despite some opposition to this action.

Gerald Ford

Ford with Rabbi Avraham Shem Tov

President Ford corresponded with the Rebbe several times and sent him a letter in which he wrote: "Your efforts for education and your countless humanitarian activities have greatly benefited and strengthened our society. By providing guidance for the movement's commitment to preserving Jewish tradition, you have perpetuated a heritage that is a source of comfort and courage to many of our citizens."

In 5735 (1975), he attended a conference for the benefit of Chabad organization.

Jimmy Carter

Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin shaking hands with US President Jimmy Carter and Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, after signing the agreement

Jimmy Carter lights the first public menorah in the White House in 5740 (1980)

Born in 5684 (1924) and died in 5784 (2024), he was the 39th President of the United States between the years 5737-5741 (1977-1981).

Towards the Rebbe's seventy-fifth birthday in 5738 (1978), Carter offered the Rebbe to come to the White House, but the Rebbe refused. Later, a phone call from Carter was offered to the Rebbe, but the Rebbe refused this as well.

Peace Agreement with Egypt

In 5737 (1977), during Yitzchak Rabin's visit to the White House, Carter proposed a peace plan with Egypt. When Menachem Begin came to power, he continued negotiations with Egyptian President Sadat, and in 5739 (1978), Menachem Begin, Carter, and Sadat convened at Camp David where a peace agreement was established in which Israel would hand over the Sinai Peninsula to Egypt.

The Rebbe adamantly opposed this agreement and worked to try to cancel it. Chabad joined in the struggle against the agreement, and as a result, Rabbi Wolpe's book "Peace, Peace, and There Is No Peace" was published. The Rebbe even said that all three—Carter, Begin, and Sadat—would end their roles in strange ways, and indeed Sadat was assassinated, Begin sank into depression, and Carter was dismissed by the people (lost the election).

Menorah in the White House

In 5740 (1980), Carter participated in and helped light a public menorah in the White House, the residence of the President of the United States. Since then, lighting has taken place there every year.

Education Day

Cover of Kfar Chabad magazine from 28 Nissan 5749 - "World leaders join Reagan's initiative regarding the Seven Noahide Laws"

In 5738 (1978), the United States Congress declared the Rebbe's Hebrew birthday - the 11th of Nissan - as "Education and Sharing Day," on which efforts and resources would be increased to improve education in all educational institutions for all ages throughout the United States. In the text of the proposal submitted by Congress for ratification by the President of the United States (then) Jimmy Carter, the Seven Noahide Laws are mentioned as a model for the moral principles on which human civilization rests. The Rebbe thanked for the decision and explained its significance in a farbrengen.

Since then, every year, the US President signs on the 11th of Nissan for Education Day in honor of the Lubavitcher Rebbe.

Responded to the Rebbe to Save Rabbi Nachman of Breslov's Gravesite

President Carter responded to the Rebbe's request and worked with Soviet authorities to cancel the demolition of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov's gravesite.

Carter and Hamas

Carter is considered one of the most hostile presidents to Israel. After his term, he led a line of identification with extreme Muslim terrorism against Israel, until Prime Minister and President of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu and Reuven Rivlin refused to meet with him.

Carter met publicly with Ismail Haniyeh, one of Hamas' leaders, and held a joint press conference with him.

After Carter's death, Knesset member Simcha Rotman spoke out against him: "Carter met with Hamas leaders, called Israel an apartheid state, and supported those who harmed Israel's security and America's values," Rotman wrote and explained that hatred of Israel intensified during Carter's time and the legitimacy he gave to terrorism should not be forgotten.

Ronald Reagan

Born in 5671 (1911) and died in 5764 (2004), he was the 40th President of the United States between the years 5741 (1981) to 5749 (1989).

Reagan had good connections with the Rebbe's shliach Rabbi Avraham Shemtov, and appointed him in 5744 (1984) to be among the five people of the "National Council for Adult Education."

Reagan maintained extensive connections with the Rebbe, and would send him letters from time to time. In one of his letters he wrote: "You have so much to be proud of. Since your first moments in the United States in 1941, you have shared your personal gift of universal understanding for the benefit of all. Time and again, your love and spiritual guidance have brought hope and inspiration to those dealing with despair. In bringing comfort and solace to the human spirit, you helped strengthen the foundation of faith which is humanity's most vital asset. Your life's work has been an answer to that special calling that few are privileged to hear." Before the Rebbe's birthday in 5742, Reagan declared an International Day of Reflection.

Golan Heights Law

Reagan signs on Education Day

In 5741, Menachem Begin initiated a law recognizing the Golan Heights as Israel, which caused a crisis in relations between Reagan and Israel, and he even threatened to stop cooperation between them.

Moment of Silence and Seven Noahide Laws

In the summer of 5743 (1983), the Rebbe asked to establish a Moment of Silence in all educational institutions worldwide. The Rebbe requested that at the beginning of each school day, students dedicate a 'moment of silence' - sixty seconds to think about the Creator and Director of the world.

As a result, Reagan signed that schools would institute a "Moment of Silence" and also called on Americans to observe the seven Noahide laws.

Certificate of Honor

On 11 Nissan 5743, the Rebbe received a certificate of honor for his activities from the United States, signed by President Reagan.

George Herbert Walker Bush

President Bush signs a call for heads of state to observe the 7 Noahide laws

Born in 5684 (1942) and died in 5778 (2018), he was the 41st President of the United States between the years 5749 (1989) to 5753 (1993).

Madrid Conference

In 5751 (1991), Bush initiated the Madrid Conference during which he proposed a peace agreement between Israel and the Arabs in the city of Madrid (in Spain). The Rebbe warned Israeli Prime Minister Yitzchak Shamir not to agree to Israel going to this conference, but in the end Israel did send a representative, and consequently the Oslo Accords and a peace agreement with Jordan were signed.

Bill Clinton

Born in 5706 (1946) and was the 42nd President of the United States from 5753 (1993) to 5761 (2001).

He was one of the presidents known for his love of Judaism and Torah, and frequently employed Jewish advisors.

In Kislev 5755, Bill Clinton presented the Rebbe with the Gold Medal for his actions in the Oval Office and said: "The Rebbe's high standing... as a moral leader in our country has been recognized by all presidents since Richard Nixon, for more than two decades. The Rebbe's movement today has approximately two thousand educational, social, and medical institutions throughout the world. We (the United States government) recognize the Rebbe's profound role in expanding these institutions."

Oslo Accords

In 5753 (1993), Clinton initiated a peace agreement between Israel and the PLO that would lead to the establishment of a Palestinian state. Chabad chassidim held demonstrations against the agreement, claiming it endangered Israel.

Peace Agreements

Clinton initiated several more peace agreements that were contrary to the Rebbe's view regarding the completeness of the Land, such as the peace agreement with Jordan, the Wye Agreement, and he also initiated Camp David 5760.

George Walker Bush

Born in 5706 (1946), son of George Herbert Walker Bush, and was the 43rd President of the United States from 5761 (2001) to 5769 (2009).

He was supportive of Judaism, fond of Charedi rabbis, and maintained a close relationship with the Rebbe's emissary to the White House, Rabbi Levi Shemtov.

His Relations with Israel and Peace Agreements

Bush, like his predecessors, attempted to make peace agreements between Israel and the Arabs. He presented the 'Road Map' plan that was not implemented. He also supported Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's Disengagement Plan and initiated the Annapolis Conference in 5768 (2008), but it did not materialize.

Here too, Chabad rallied to the struggle and fought against these agreements through demonstrations and persuasion efforts.

Barack Obama

Demonstration in the courtyard of Tzivos Hashem Museum in Crown Heights against agreements between Iran and the United States

President of the United States Obama signing the Declaration of Education Day

Born in 5721 (1961), and became the 44th President of the United States from 5769 (2009) until 5776 (2016).

The Agreement with Iran

Expanded topic – Iran

In 5774 (2014), Obama signed an agreement with Iran during which he allowed them to possess nuclear weapons. This was a danger to Israel, and during the agreement, Chabad chassidim went out to demonstrate against that agreement. Eventually, US President Donald Trump canceled the agreement.

Donald Trump

Trump with Chabad lecturer Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Jacobson, rabbi of Or HaChaim community named after Ner Hamaaravi Rabbeinu Chaim ben Attar Ohr HaChaim HaKadosh in Monsey, New York

Born in 5706 (1946). Appointed as President of the United States in 5776 (2016) and served in this position until 5781 (2021).

Considered a pro-Israel president. In 5777 (2017), he visited Israel and also moved the American embassy to Jerusalem. In 5778 (2018), he pardoned the famous Jewish prisoner, Shalom Mordechai Rubashkin, and on 19 Kislev of the same year, recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. In 5779 (2019), he also recognized the Golan Heights as part of Israel's territory.

Trump's daughter converted to Judaism and married a Jewish businessman, Jared Yoel Chaim Kushner, who is very close to Judaism and Chabad.

Declaration of Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel

In 5778 during his visit to Israel, Trump announced the American recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of the State of Israel.

This chapter is incomplete. Please contribute to ChabadPedia and complete it. There may be more details on the talk page.

The Century Plan

Protest against Trump's plan at the entrance to Jerusalem

In 5780 (2020), Trump initiated the "Century Plan - Trump Plan" for a dangerous agreement between Israel and Arabs during which the Arabs would receive about 30 percent of Judea and Samaria and could establish a Palestinian state, this agreement contradicts the Rebbe's opinion and chas v'shalom could endanger millions of Jews.

Chabad chassidim held demonstrations against it, some organized by the World Headquarters for Saving the Nation and the Land, headed by Rabbi Shalom Dov Ber Wolpo and Rabbi Yekutiel Rapp. Tmimim from Jerusalem held a protest vigil at the entrance to Jerusalem.

The rabbis of the Halacha Institute, together with rabbis involved in the completeness of the land, issued a sharp protest against Trump's plan. The letter was signed by important rabbis including: Rabbi Baruch Boaz Yorkowitz, Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Levkivker, Rabbi Moshe Kornwitz, Rabbi Israel Halperin, and Rabbi Shalom Ber Wolpo. The 'Pikuach Nefesh' Rabbinical Congress headed by Rabbi Yosef Gerlitzky protested against Trump's plan, and interviews and articles against the Century Plan - Trump's Plan were published on the Chabad Info website and in the Beis Moshiach weekly magazine.

In the end, the peace agreement was not implemented.

Running in the 5785 Elections

Trump is running in the United States presidential election taking place on 4 Cheshvan 5785 (2024). With the understanding that his victory would benefit the Jews of the United States and Israel and is preferable to the victory of his opponent, many Chabad chassidim expressed support for him. On 5 Tishrei 5785, about a month before the US presidential elections [2024], Trump came to visit and pray at the holy Ohel, under unprecedented security, to mark the anniversary of the terrible massacre of Jews in the Holy Land on Simchat Torah 5784. Trump was received by several activists, led by Rabbi Yehuda Krinsky and Rabbi Levi Shem Tov.

In the Charedi public, including Chabad, public expressions of support for Trump were heard.

Members of the Crown Heights Vaad HaKahal issued a letter calling to vote for Trump, and so did shluchim throughout the USA, who expressed public support for Trump.

On the other hand, Rabbi Avraham Shem Tov issued a special letter clarifying that Chabad does not interfere in elections.

In the Holy Land, those involved in matters of the completeness of the land called to vote for Trump in the hope that the Israeli government would be able to deal with his insights on matters of the completeness of the land.

President of the United States for the Second Time

In 5785, he was indeed elected to serve again as president, with his administration composed of lovers of Israel, and thus most of his decisions and those of his administration support Jews and Israel.

Joe Biden

Biden at central menorah lighting at the foot of the White House 5775 (2014)

Born in 5702 (1942). He was Vice President of the United States between the years 5769-5776 (2009-2016). In 5781 (2021), he was elected as the 46th President of the United States.

His initial acquaintance with Chabad was with the shliach Rabbi Avraham Shemtov.

He is friendly with Chabad shluchim, and has greatly assisted with the Rebbe's matters, such as the assistance he provided for the success of the lawsuit regarding the placement of menorahs in public spaces, the legislation of the 'Education Day' in honor of the Rebbe's birthday, and more. In 5775 (2014), he participated in the lighting of the Chabad menorah in Washington.

In 5771 (2011), he delivered a speech during which he said: "We must always remember what the Rebbe said, who always demanded not to be satisfied with existing achievements that were successful, but always to try to work more and utilize more of the talents that G-d gives us to repair the world."

In 5770 (2010), he delivered a speech in which he said: "The world today needs Chabad: Chochma, Bina and Daas (wisdom, understanding and knowledge). It is difficult to see these three qualities combined together. I stand before you as an admirer."

Towards the 5785 (2024) elections, he prepared to run, but after a debate with Trump, he withdrew his candidacy, and instead his Vice President Kamala Harris ran and was defeated in the elections.

External Links

Rare color documentation in the White House: The Rebbe Rayatz on the day of the meeting with the President of the United States, on the website 'Lachluchiit Geulati'.

President's of The United Staes

Contents