It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the passing of the prominent Satmar philanthropist and supporter of Torah and chessed, Rabbi Yisroel Dov Goldberger z”l. A leading figure among the Satmar community in Kiryas Yoel, he was 86 years old.

Rabbi Goldberger was born to his father, Rabbi Yitzchak Goldberger, and was the eldest grandson of Rabbi Chaim Tzvi Goldberger, who survived the Holocaust together with all of his children. From a young age, he was deeply connected to the rebuilding of Torah life after the devastation of Europe.

Throughout his lifetime, Rabbi Goldberger played a central role in constructing and expanding Satmar mosdos in Kiryas Yoel, contributing sums totaling millions of dollars. Most recently, he financed the construction of a massive new building for the Bais Rochel girls’ school in Kiryas Yoel, continuing his lifelong commitment to chinuch.

Over the past 15 years, Rabbi Goldberger donated an estimated $40 million toward the building and expansion of Satmar mosdos. His most recent contribution, made just one month ago, was a donation of $3.5 million toward the renovation and enlargement of the Satmar Bais Medrash on Rodney Street in Williamsburg. The expanded bais medrash was named in his honor, Heichal Yisroel Dov.

His generosity extended beyond the United States. At the Satmar girls’ school in Yerushalayim, he funded an entire floor of the building, which bears his name as Komat Rav Yisroel Dov.

Rabbi Goldberger amassed his wealth through real estate ventures, but those close to him said his heart was as open as a great hall when it came to supporting tzedakah and building places of Torah and chassidus. His philanthropy was quiet, consistent, and driven by a deep sense of responsibility to Klal Yisroel.

He was closely attached to the leaders of the Satmar dynasty, maintaining a lifelong bond with the Satmar Rebbes, the Vayoel Moshe, the Berach Moshe, and the current Satmar Rebbe.

In recent weeks, Rabbi Goldberger’s health deteriorated and he was hospitalized in Florida. During that time, the Satmar Rebbe traveled specially for a 24-hour visit to be at his bedside.

Rabbi Goldberger is survived by his devoted family and by his wife, Hendel Miriam.

Yehi zichro baruch.

{Matzav.com}