A prominent Orthodox rabbi has ignited widespread controversy after boldly declaring that some of the world’s most powerful countries—including the United States, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Russia, and China—are destined to be humbled by divine wrath. He framed this prophecy as retribution for centuries of Jewish suffering.
Rabbi Yom Tov Glaser, widely known as the “Surfing Rabbi” due to his previous career as a professional wave rider, made these explosive remarks in a video that quickly went viral, stirring strong reactions on social media platforms.
In his speech, Glaser warned, “The most powerful nations in the world have to go down to their knees. That’s what happened to Egypt, that’s what’s gonna happen to America, Germany, France, London, England. They’re gonna go down hard for how they treated us over the last 2,000 years. Hashem’s gonna take them down hard.”
Originally from Hollywood, California, Glaser spent around twelve years as a professional surfer before relocating to Israel in his twenties. As a Baal Teshuva, a returnee to the Jewish faith, he now teaches Kabbalah and spirituality in Jerusalem’s Old City. He is a respected figure within the Pinsk-Karlin Chasidic community.
The rabbi’s remarks have sparked significant outrage, with critics accusing him of inciting division and exacerbating tensions on an already sensitive global stage. Many have described his statements as provocative and dangerous, regardless of their religious context.
To date, neither Aish HaTorah nor representatives of Rabbi Glaser have issued any response to the growing backlash.
Originally published by UKNIP.