A prominent Orthodox rabbi has ignited a storm of controversy after claiming in a fiery speech that the world’s strongest nations—including the US, Germany, France, England, Russia, and China—will be brought to their knees by God. His explosive remarks came as a divine punishment for centuries of Jewish persecution.
Rabbi Glaser’s Shocking Speech Goes Viral
Rabbi Yom Tov Glaser, a senior lecturer at Aish HaTorah and known as the “Surfing Rabbi” for his former pro surfing days, made the claims in a viral video that’s sparking outrage across social media and beyond.
“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,” Glaser said. “They’re gonna go down hard for how they treated us over the last 2,000 years. Hashem’s gonna take them down hard.”
From Hollywood Surfer to Jerusalem’s Spiritual Teacher
Originally from Hollywood, California, Glaser spent 12 years competing as a surfer before moving to Israel in his twenties. He became a Baal Teshuva—someone who returns to the Jewish faith—and now teaches Kabbalah and spirituality in Jerusalem’s Old City. He’s a respected figure in the Pinsk-Karlin Chasidic community.
Outrage and Criticism Mount Over Rabbinical Warning
The speech has drawn heavy criticism for inflaming tensions during an already volatile global climate. Many say his words are both provocative and dangerous, regardless of their religious context.
Neither Aish HaTorah nor Rabbi Glaser’s team have responded to the backlash as of now.
