During one of the days of chol hamoed Sukkos a plane arrived in Istanbul carrying Tel Aviv Chief Rabbi HaGaon HaRav Yisrael Meir Lau Shlita, who was accompanied by a heavy security detail. Also accompanying him were his bureau chief, Shlomo Aurbach and chareidi journalist Aaron Granot of Mishpacha Magazine.

The purpose of the rav’s trip was a meeting with local religious officials. The visit lasted less than 20 hours, but according to reports, much was accomplished. In addition to the meeting of religious figures Rav Lau met with members of the local Jewish community, who told the rav that due to the current new realities between Turkey and Israel, they rarely see visitors from Eretz Yisrael.

They community asked Rav Lau  if they could celebrate Simchas Torah with him while he was there, two days ahead of time, to which he explained that there are Halachic issues with taking out a Torah to dance without a reason.

A meeting was also arranged between Rav Lau and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, while will take place in a number weeks.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)