Reb Meir Zelig Rispler was struck by a vehicle on Simchas Torah. He serves as the head of the Satmar Kehilla of Williamsburg under the leadership of the Satmar Rebbe of Kiryas Yoel. He was struck by a vehicle on Whyte Avenue and Rodney Street while walking home from Shul on Simchas Torah. He was taken to the hospital by Hatzolah. He reportedly has several broken ribs, but is Boruch Hashem in stable condition.

Due to his being hospitalized, he was unable to participate in the Ne’eilas Hachag and when the Rebbe speaks to the entire Kehillia, marking an end to the Yomim Norayim and Sukkos.

The Rebbe headed to visit him in the hospital after Yom Tov was over.

The Rebbe appointed R’ Rispler to the position of “Rosh Hakahal” last Iyar after the tragic passing of the previous head of the Kehilla, R’ Yitzchak Rosenberg who drowned on a beach in Miami when a riptide suddenly swept a few people out in to the ocean.

He has always been considered a very important figure in Satmar and donated a number of buildings in Williamsburg to the Satmar Mosdos under the leadership of the Satmar Rebbe of Kiryas Yoel.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)