New US ambassador visits senior Haredi Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky in Bnei Brak

US Ambassador to Israel Thomas Richard Nides during his swearing-in ceremony as new ambassador to Israel, at the President's Residence in Jerusalem, on December 5, 2021. (Olivier Fitoussi/Flash90)
US Ambassador to Israel Thomas Richard Nides during his swearing-in ceremony as new ambassador to Israel, at the President's Residence in Jerusalem, on December 5, 2021. (Olivier Fitoussi/Flash90)

New US Ambassador to Israel Tom Nides is visiting a series of ultra-Orthodox figures during a trip to Bnei Brak — including prominent Haredi leader Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky.

According to reports, Nides thanks Kanievsky “for his brave stance on the issue of COVID vaccines, against all opposition.” Kanievsky, 93, has faced threats from those angered by his public support for the vaccine.

Nides, who was sworn in just last week, also visits Bnei Brak Mayor Avraham Rubinstein, who invited the new envoy to visit the ultra-Orthodox city. He also meets with Rabbi Gershon Edelstein, the head of the Ponevezh Yeshiva.

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