WED June 19 11:12 PM ET

Struggle over New Shul Intensifies

By GIMPEL the SHISTER, HasidicNews.com Writer

Williamsburg (HN) -- As soon as the rift between the two Satmar Rebbe's sons became established, the race for real estate and other community assets began. This battle has since become more and more aggressive as each party attempts to conquer more and more.

the skeleton of the new Satmar shul. construction
has been halted due to the conflict.

In Kiryat Joel, Aaron had an easy time retaining legal right of community property that was already in hid domain, such as the Big Shul and educational institutions. The fight over the cemetery in iryat Joel ended in his favor as well. In williamsburg, however, Aaron has had an uphill struggle. Williamsburg is a "zally" stronghold or so it is believed. The Congregation in Williamsburg who appointed Zalmen as the Rebbe's successor had legal ownership to most if not all the property owned by the community.

When construction of the New Satmar Shul began 8 years ago, it was a highly exhilirating moment to all of the community. People were looking forward to a beautiful new Shul containing 10,000 seats, eliminating the congestion that is present in the current Shul on Rondey Street. Seats were being sold for thousands of dollars to help pay for the construction and Satmar Hasidim were bracing themselves for the day they will be praying in the biggest Shul in the United States of America.

After the Zalmon-Aaron split, the project lost momentum as community leaders were preoccupied fighting against each other and ensuring retention of control of their existing property. The Mortgage on the New Shul was not being paid and construction was halted.Money was being drained from funds earmarked for the project, for legal and other expenses invloving the fight.

Last week Friday, Aaron's people seized the initiative and suddenly offered Dime Savings Bank to pay off the over a million dollar debt in installments in return for eventual transfer of ownership to them. When Zalmen's people found out about it, they immediately got the full amount and paid off the mortgage in full.

Aaron's side was outraged at what they claim is a breach of contract by the bank. They took the matter to court this week to challenge the banks decision to return ownership to the Williamsburg Congregation.