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Itongadol.- Israeli officials and religious leaders expressed deep sorrow over the death of Shas \’ spiritual leader Rabbi Ovadia Yosef on Monday. "One of the great minds of the generations is gone," said Israeli Chief Rabbi David Lau.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, "Rabbi Ovadia was a Torah giant and a mentor for thousands. He worked extensively to glorify Israeli heritage but also took into consideration historic changes and realities of modern life in his rulings.
"He loved the Torah and the people. I greatly appreciated his warm personality and his direct manners. I grew wiser with each of our meetings. The Jewish people have lost one of the great minds of the generation."
Yair Lapid and his Yesh Atid party said in a statement, "The rabbi shaped the Chief Rabbinate and was one of the great halachic arbiters. His passing leaves the Torah world with a huge vacuum."
The Habayit Hayehudi Party said, "Rabbi Ovadia Yosef will be missed in every Israeli household. He knew how to connect the people with the Torah. We mourn his loss and send our condolences to his family and his students."
Overwhelmed with grief, MK Eli Yishai (Shas) burst into tears after saying "Blessed be the True Judge. The crown of our head fell."
Shas chairman Arieh Deri was equally as mournful, and had difficulty repressing tears as he cried, "How will we be left alone? Who will lead us? We remain orphans."