Ultra-Orthodox Philanthropist Donates $5 Million at Private Rabbinic Assembly
A rare and discreet fundraising event took place behind closed doors in Jerusalem, as prominent donor R’ Berel Weiss pledged $5 million to support independent ultra-Orthodox schools unaffiliated with the Israeli state.
In an extraordinary and strictly private gathering held last weekend in Jerusalem, prominent Jewish philanthropist and businessman R’ Berel Weiss of Los Angeles pledged a $5 million donation to kick off a new fundraising campaign for the Keren Hatzalah fund, which supports educational institutions that do not receive state funding.
The event was hosted at the headquarters of the Badatz Eidah HaChareidis in the historic Zupnik building and presided over by the senior posek and head of the Eidah, Rabbi Moshe Sternbuch. The purpose: to secure funding for hundreds of Torah institutions in Israel that operate independently from the Israeli Ministry of Education.
Despite the significance of the donation, no video footage was allowed, in accordance with longstanding policy by the Eidah HaChareidis prohibiting the use of video devices for public or private events.
A Private Yet Monumental Gathering
R’ Berel Weiss, a long-time benefactor of Satmar institutions and friend of Keren Hatzalah, was asked by Rabbi Sternbuch to lead the campaign with an initial $5 million contribution. The fund, originally founded by the previous Satmar Rebbe, the Vayoel Moshe, over six decades ago, continues to serve as a lifeline for independent Haredi schools that choose ideological separation from government support.
Today, Keren Hatzalah supports approximately 250 educational institutions across the country, representing a diverse range of Haredi communities - from Satmar and the Eidah HaChareidis to the Jerusalem Faction and the Gaon Yaakov yeshiva in Bnei Brak.
Matching Millions
The event followed weeks of groundwork laid by American askan R’ Zelig Mandelowitz, acting on behalf of Rabbi Sternbuch. Mandelowitz is credited with securing additional millions through a matching campaign model that aims to double the impact of Weiss's donation.
In his remarks, Rabbi Sternbuch praised the gesture, calling it “a sanctification of Heaven” at a time when “the Torah and its scholars are under attack.”
“There are those today who belittle Torah and refer to its scholars as beggars living off others. But here stands a wealthy talmid chacham who honors Torah, supports Torah scholars, and donates a sum that will bring great merit to the Jewish people,” he said.
A Personal Sacrifice
R’ Berel Weiss spoke briefly as well, admitting that he initially did not plan on donating such a large sum, especially given personal challenges he had recently faced. But after witnessing the dedication of Rabbi Sternbuch and the Eidah's senior members, he felt unable to turn them down.
“I saw their sincerity and effort,” he said. “And I couldn’t let them leave empty-handed.”
No Cameras, by Design
Despite the significance of the moment, video recording was explicitly forbidden. Only still photographs were permitted, in line with the Eidah’s ban on video usage - even for major public events - out of concern for modesty and the preservation of traditional values.
In a world driven by media exposure, this was a donation without a press conference. A $5 million act of faith - quiet, uncompromising, and deeply rooted in old-world reverence for Torah and its scholars.