The Israeli political establishment is releasing messages of condolence to family members of Maran HaGaon HaRav Chaim Ovadia Yosef ZT”L as well as his followers around the world.

Messages have been released by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein, Minister of the Interior Gideon Saar, Housing Minister Uri Ariel, MK Shaul Mofaz, the Yesh Atid Party, as well as the Labor Party and its leader, Shelly Yacimovich.

Former Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin released the following message:

A rav and great leader of Am Yisrael left us a short time ago. His piskei Halacha affected the character of Israeli society. His greatness of character made him one who leads and is not led. Rav Yosef was a leader who remained close to his people and spoke their language, never hiding behind his great Torah knowledge and never distancing himself from the problems and needs of the people. His rulings displayed his leadership and the extent of his profound knowledge, not fearing innovation and unafraid to address the challenges of changing society. He did so regarding the plight of Ethiopian Jews, regarding the many agunos. Rav Yosef will be remembered by his admirers and detractors as a great leader who left his mark in Halacha, and no less in politics and society.

Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat on Petira of Maran R’ Chaim Ovadia ZT”L

Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat and the city’s residents mourn the passing of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef

Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat and the city’s residents mourn the passing of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, the (former) Sephardi Chief Rabbi of Israel and Shas spiritual leader.

Mayor Barkat said: “Rabbi Ovadia Yosef was a part of the Jerusalem landscape for many decades. He was a spiritual leader, a respected scholar, an influential author and a halachic authority for hundreds of thousands of people in Israel and around the world. Jerusalem mourns with all of Israel and sends condolences to the family.”

Mayor Barkat has directed the City Manager to prepare the city to accommodate all the visitors who wish to participate in the funeral and make condolence visits to the family.

In the coming months, the Jerusalem Municipality will coordinate a way to enshrine his memory.

Bayit Yehudi Leader Minister Bennett on Petira of Maran ZT”L

Bayit Yehudi leader Minister of the Economy Naftali Bennett released the following message following the petira of Maran HaGaon HaRav Chaim Ovadia Yosef ZT”L .

“The dati leumi tzibur and all of Am Yisrael are grieving over the petira of the Rishon L’Tzion, who served as Chief Rabbi of Tel Aviv as Chief Rabbi of Israel…the rav was among the great spiritual leaders of our day, and a symbol of religious sensitivity. My condolences to the entire family and we hope for better days for Am Yisrael.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)