Shas leader Aryeh Deri attended a yahrzeit event at Yeshivat Ohr David on Wednesday evening 23 Teves during which he spoke about Shas and the leader of the Moetzas Gedolei Torah, Chacham Shalom Cohen, referring to HaGaon HaRav Shalom Cohen Shlita.

During his address Deri stated he recalls what Maran HaGaon HaRav Elazar Menachem Mann Shach ZT”L said about Chacham Cohen, referring to him as an “Ish Emmes”.

“He was younger than I am. Maran was over 90 and he said me “Chacham Cohen is an Ish Emmes, and he is straight, נישט נגיעס. Even then it was clear how the rosh yeshiva regarded him, aware of his midos and who he is”.

Deri added “We do not speak against rabbonim, but there is a difference between the private sector in which one consults with a rav and the general issues and issues pertaining to the tzibur in which there is a tradition of leadership” adding this is the party’s Torah Council headed by Rav Cohen which will continue to lead the party in the derech of Maran HaGaon HaRav Ovadia Yosef ZT”L.

Interestingly, in his address, Rav Cohen reflected back on the generations of gedolim, making reference to the Steipler ZT”L ZY”A, Rav Shach, Rav Elyashiv ZT”L ZY”A and of course, Rav Ovadia.

“We do not poke fun at any rav. Even Moshe and Aaron erred, and rabbonim can make mistakes too. They think that they can take the other path and be MeKadesh Shem Shomayim” he explained.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)