Chief Rabbi David Lau spoke with the media from Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital after tearing kriya. Many rabbonim and others present tore kriya upon hearing of the petira of the gadol hador ZT”L.

Rabbi Lau explained to Channel 2 News that we lost a neshama that the Jewish People only merit once in many many generations. He elaborated on Rav Chaim Ovadia’s concern for the tzibur, his family and how words simply cannot adequately express the loss of the Jewish People at large.

Eli Yishai attempted to speak to the media but was unable to control the tears at this time. This is the same regarding others who were extremely close to the gadol hador over the years.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)