Rabbi Mayer Rispler has passed away from COVID-19 shortly after urging fellow Jews in Brooklyn to respect lockdown measures.

NYC-based Rispler was a philanthropist, a prominent Orthodox Jewish rabbi, and the president of the Satmar Kehillah who was running his own accountancy business.

The 70-year-old leader contracted coronavirus in September and passed away from complications in mid-October.

“It is with great sadness and heavy heart that we report on the passing of Satmar President and Mega Philanthropist R’Mayer Zelig Rispler OBM who passed away during the night,” Satmar Headquarters announced on Friday, the same day the rabbi’s funeral took place.

“R’Mayer Zelig was a courageous and dedicated leader who will be missed by the worldwide Satmar Community.”

Previously, in April, the rabbi voiced his support for coronavirus measures after New York City mayor Bill de Blasio lashed out at the large crowd that gathered for a funeral of a famous rabbi.

“Something absolutely unacceptable happened in Williamsburg tonight: a large funeral gathering in the middle of this pandemic,” the mayor wrote.

“When I heard, I went there myself to ensure the crowd was dispersed. And what I saw WILL NOT be tolerated so long as we are fighting the Coronavirus.

“My message to the Jewish community, and all communities, is this simple: the time for warnings has passed. I have instructed the NYPD to proceed immediately to summons or even arrest those who gather in large groups. This is about stopping this disease and saving lives. Period.”

While the mayor’s message to the Jewish community sparked outrage, Rispler urged fellow Jews to follow the government measures put in place to combat the pandemic.

“We do not condone any behavior that puts people at risk and pledge to keep working alongside the brave men and women of the NYPD in addressing and eliminating any such occurrences,” he suggested.

May he rest in peace.

 

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