Thousands gathered Friday for the funeral of a grand rabbi who was a pillar in the community and had deep roots in Monsey.

Grand Rabbi Mordechai Hager passed away Friday morning at the age of 95. Hager is believed to be the world's oldest Hasidic leader. He moved to Monsey in 1964 and in 1972 he became grand rabbi after his father died.

"For the last 45 years he led one of the largest Hasidic dynasties in the United States, if not globally," says Yossi Gestetner.

Gestetner says Hager will be remembered most for who he was as a person. 

"He was very friendly, he was kind and he was caring," says Gestetner.