After receiving reports that he opened his eyes and was aware of his surroundings, HaGaon HaRav Shmuel Auerbach Shlita visited Maran HaGaon HaRav Chaim Ovadia Yosef Shlita in Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital on Wednesday night, the eve of 29 Tishrei 5774.

Rav Auerbach told Rav Chaim Ovadia “Am Yisrael needs you during this difficult hour. I am davening with interruption that you will return to lead”.

B’chasdei H-Shem, doctors and family members reported on Wednesday the gadol hador opened his eyes and he was aware of his surroundings and recognized family members.

Family members reported they were able to put tefilin on the rav, who managed to mutter the words of Shema.

The tzibur is urged to continue being mispallel on behalf of

מרן רבי חיים עובדיה יוסף בן גורג’יה לרפואה שלימה בתוך שאר חולי ישראל

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)