Former President Donald Trump made a personal prayer visit on Monday to the Ohel in Queens, New York, marking one year since the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel.
The Ohel, the resting place of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, known as the Lubavitcher Rebbe, is considered the most visited Jewish holy site in North America. Approximately 400,000 people make pilgrimages to the site each year, while millions more send written prayers via email and post.
According to Chabad.org, Trump was welcomed by Rabbi Abba Refson, director of the visitor's center at the Ohel, and Rabbi Motti Seligson, a spokesman for Chabad-Lubavitch. Also present were family members of Israeli hostage Edan Alexander, Auschwitz survivor Jerry Wartski, Republican activist Ben Shapiro, and Jewish college students speaking out against campus antisemitism.
Trump's visit continues a family tradition. His daughter, Ivanka Trump, and son-in-law, Jared Kushner, made late-night visits to the Ohel before both presidential elections. The timing of Trump's visit, two days after Rosh Hashanah, is significant in Jewish tradition. Special emphasis is placed on visiting holy sites in the days leading up to Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
BREAKING VIDEO:
Trump seen at Ohel Chabad Lubavitch, praying for America and Israel.
Trump has Jewish grandkids and has been a firm supporter of Israel. pic.twitter.com/Wuq3LftKlx
— Noah Griffith (@Noah_Griffith_) October 7, 2024
Trump's visit follows recent pilgrimages by other world leaders to the Rebbe's resting place. Just over two weeks ago, Argentine President Javier Milei and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama paid their respects at the Ohel. Milei, who has strong connections to the Jewish community, attributed his electoral success to a prayer he offered at the site shortly before his victory. In a separate visit, Sara Netanyahu, spouse of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, was also seen at the grave, joined by relatives of hostages currently held in Gaza.
Do I have this all right?
October 7th events:
Trump - visiting the Lubavitcher Rebbe's Ohel & hosting a memorial event tonight in FL
Vance - speaking at October 7th Memorial on the National Mall
Harris - planting a tree at home
Walz - taping Jimmy Kimmel
— Eli Steinberg (@HaMeturgeman) October 7, 2024
The Lubavitcher Rebbe, recognized as one of the most influential rabbis in modern history, has been honored by every US president since Jimmy Carter. In 1994, he was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for his "extraordinary life and work."
