Leading Kabbalist Rabbi David Batzri, 85, Mourned by Israeli Leaders

Rabbi David Shalom Batzri, a prominent Kabbalist and head of the 'HaShalom' Yeshiva in Jerusalem, has passed away at the age of 85. His death was mourned by prominent Israeli religious figures and the Shas party.

The Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, shared a personal connection, recalling how his father, the late Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, held Rabbi Batzri in high regard. Rabbi Yosef noted that his father "loved him."

The Shas party issued a statement eulogizing Rabbi Batzri as a "great scholar" who "taught Torah and raised many students." They described him as "humble as Hillel," a "pillar of prayer," and someone who "poured out his soul in holy prayers and sublime rectifications for the sake of all Israel." The party also highlighted his strong support for Shas and his courageous opposition to those seeking to weaken the influence of Torah study.

Shas further stated that Rabbi Batzri "stood with the holy Shas movement with strength and might" and "raised his voice without fear against those seeking to weaken the power of Torah and its learners." They mentioned that he endured severe suffering with love.

The party extended condolences to Rabbi Batzri's family, including his son and successor, Rabbi Yitzhak Batzri, and his other sons and sons-in-law, praying for comfort among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem and for the healing of Israel.