In a stunning development, both factions of Satmar—led by the two brothers, HaRav Aharon from Kiryas Yoel, and HaRav Zalman Leib from Williamsburg—have jointly signed a dramatic and historic letter calling for the immediate return of all items belonging to the estate of the previous Rebbe, their father, known as the “Beirach Moshe”.

The letter, signed by all sons and sons-in-law, comes nearly 20 years after the petirah of the Beirach Moshe, and signals a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to finally arrange the yerusha in a proper and equal manner.

In the strongly worded kol koreh, the family writes that as they began organizing the yerusha, it became clear that many valuable items are missing—including seforim, kisvei yad, and cheftzei kodesh passed down from previous doros.

“We hereby inform that we do not forgo or forgive any item… and anyone holding them is considered to be in possession of stolen property,” the letter states clearly, emphasizing the serious halachic implications.

The signatories stress that this applies to any item connected to the estate—even those that may have circulated over the years—and explicitly state that no item should be returned to any individual Rebbe. Rather, everything must be returned to the general estate so it can be divided equally among all the yorshim.

YWN has learned that behind the scenes, extensive efforts have been ongoing for a long period between representatives of both sides, working toward resolving the long-standing dispute over both monetary assets and priceless heirlooms.

As is well known, the Beirach Moshe had entrusted his loyal meshamesh, Reb Moshe Friedman—known as “Moshe Gabbai”—with responsibility over the estate. However, following the well-known split between the brothers after the Rebbe’s Petira, the division of the yerusha remained frozen for nearly two decades.

In recent years, renewed efforts have gained momentum. Approximately two years ago, many of the items were transferred to a secure location, where they were carefully catalogued and evaluated. The collection reportedly includes rare manuscripts and cheftzei kodesh tracing back generations—from the Yismach Moshe to the Divrei Yoel—with an estimated value of millions of dollars.

The publication of this kol koreh marks a transition from quiet negotiations to a public call to action.

A firm deadline has been set: all items must be returned by Lag BaOmer. The letter notes that those who comply by the deadline will receive mechila gemura, and arrangements have been made for items to be returned discreetly through designated shluchim, without any questions asked.

Additionally, anyone unsure whether an item in their possession belongs to the yerusha is urged to contact the appointed representatives, who will facilitate a private בירור עפ״י דין תורה with rabbonim.

The kol koreh has already made waves throughout Satmar, as many are now taking stock of items in their possession.

Observers note that beyond the immediate issue of inheritance, the coordinated letter signed by both sides may signal a broader warming of relations after years of deep division—particularly in light of recent subtle gestures of mutual respect between the camps.

For now, all eyes are on whether the missing items will be returned—and whether this dramatic move will finally bring closure to one of the most complex and emotional chapters in Satmar’s modern history.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)