During a kenos hosted by the Puah Institute, former Sephardi Chief Rabbi Eliyahu Bakshi-Doron Shlita, 72, collapsed. It remains unclear if he was transported to Shaare Zedek Medical Center or Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital.

Ichud Hatzalah EMTs were on the scene in minutes and they began treating the rav until an ambulance arrived for transport. The rav attempted to continue his address, albeit without success. There were many physicians present, attending the kenos so care was immediate.

The rav was transported in a MDA paramedic unit.

The tzibur is requested to be mispallel for Rav Eliyahu ben Tova b’soch kol cholei am yisrael.

13:52: Dr. Eli Susheim, director of the E.F.R.A.T. organization explains that while the rav was giving his address in the Nof Yerushalayim Hall, he noticed that he suddenly began “hesitating”.

The doctor explained “it was nothing major, but I decided to approach him”. It was then that he collapsed and therefore, care was immediate, with the doctor at his side.

Dr. Susheim explained to Kol Chai Radio that when the rav came back to himself he insisted on continuing the address. He did just that for a moment, from where he left off, but the decision was made to compel him to go to the hospital. He was transported to Shaare Zedek Medical Center.

It appears the rav walked to the ambulance and was totally conscious and alert but there is some confusion regarding the accuracy of this aspect of transport regarding his ability to ambulate, not his mental status.

Additional information will be provided if and when it becomes available.

 15:00: Rav Eliyahu Bakshi-Doron was released from Shaare Zedek Medical Center after undergoing a number of tests ruling out any need to remain in the medical center. The rav is reportedly heading home to rest.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)