The news spread on motzei Shabbos, the petira of the Sephardi Mora D’asra of Tiveria, HaGaon Rav David Peretz ZT”L, who served in his post for over four decades. The rav was niftar on Friday night at the age of 84, not long after candle lighting.

The rav worked without compromise to maintain the character of the city and its religious sites.

The rav was born in Morocco on 3 Teves 5693, later moving to Eretz Yisrael and attending premier yeshivos. Some 40 years ago, his appointment as Chief Rabbi of the city was endorsed by Gedolei Hador Shlita, including HaGaon HaRav Ovadia Yosef ZT”L .

The rav was known for making himself available to one and all, greeting anyone with his gentle smile and warmth. He was instrumental is establishing a number of shuls in the city.

His health began to decline in the past year and on Friday nights, a call was placed for an ambulance and he was niftar a short time later.

The levaya took place on motzei Shabbos in the ancient cemetery in the city.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)