It seems that Satmar has applied for the "Chapter 46" designation as a certified organization for tax deductible donations.

The debate happening is whether to grant them that status or not. Some are opposing the status saying that Satmar is anti-Zionist and opposed to the State of Israel and should not be rewarded with such a benefit form the State. Others are saying that aside, legally they qualify and we have to grant them the status despite their positions regarding Israel. And, as the Supreme Court has required in other similar situations, discriminating against Satmar for their beliefs will not fly.

I think it should be granted. One need not always fight. And I always shake my head when people fight the fights of yesterday rather than today. 100 years ago, 80 years ago, maybe even 60 years ago, the fight around religious recognition of the State of Israel was a big thing. Today? Today talking about that is fighting the fight of 100 years ago. Today the State of Israel is an established fact, with no need for any specific group's recognition or acceptance. There is no need to punish them and there is no need to continue fights that were long ago resolved.

Satmar should not only be granted the status, just like any other qualifying organization, but it should be lauded as their finally coming to some level of acceptance of the fact and the reality of the State of Israel, the homeland of the Jewish People. They may still have a ways to go, but applying to the government for official status is really tacit acceptance, and a major change from their positions until now. Accept it with grace. Maybe this can be built upon for further integration over the coming decades.