Bnei Brak Commemorates Rabbi Ovadia Yosef and Slain Scholar

A memorial event combining a celebration of the "Ben Ish Chai" (Rabbi Yosef Chaim ben Eliyahu) and a remembrance ceremony for Rabbi Avishai David Yechezkel was held last Friday night in Bnei Brak. The event was organized by the "Chazon Yechezkel - Od Yosef Chai" institutions, led by Rabbi Ovadia Yosef Yechezkel.

Rabbi Avishai David Yechezkel was murdered in a "kiddush Hashem" (sanctification of God's name) during a shooting attack in the Pardes Katz neighborhood in 2022. The ceremony honored his memory, emphasizing his noble character, diligence in Torah study, and his bright personality that was cut short.

The event featured prominent rabbis, public figures, and a large crowd. Speakers included Rabbi Lior Glazer, head of the "Petach HaDvir" institutions, and Rabbi Menashe Zelikha, who discussed the significance of the "Ben Ish Chai's" legacy and encouraged the public ahead of the upcoming days of mercy and forgiveness.

Also in attendance were Yehiel Levi, chairman of the Religious Council in Bnei Brak, and Shlomo Alharar, chairman of the Shas faction in Bnei Brak and deputy mayor. Alharar read a special letter from Shas party leader MK Aryeh Deri, who was unable to attend personally.

The evening concluded with an uplifting atmosphere, fostering a sense of mission to continue spreading the teachings of the "Ben Ish Chai" and to memorialize the slain Rabbi Yechezkel.