Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, expressed his deep sorrow over the passing of Maran HaGaon Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv ZATZAL. Following is the prime minister’s statement.

“In his rulings, Rabbi Elyashiv made a deep impression on the ultra-Orthodox world and on the entire Jewish People. In his teachings, he outlined a path for many, who drew their strength from his wisdom and his sharp thinking. Rabbi Elyashiv’s way was to love the Torah and humanity, to be self-effacing and to maintain the sanctity of life.

Today, the Jewish People have lost a sharp and incisive rabbi, a wise man of great stature, an emissary who was faithful to the values of the Torah and who gave to others. We mourn his passing.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)