Arieh Deri Reflects on Rabbi Ovadia Rabbi's Wife's Influence

Shas Chairman Arieh Deri shared personal reflections on the profound impact of Rabbi Ovadia the Rabbi's wife, his late mentor, during a rare interview. Deri described how the Rabbi's wife's guidance remains a constant presence in his life, particularly during challenging times such as the October 7th attacks and ongoing national crises. He recalled seeking the Rabbi's wife's counsel during the Gulf War and noted how even those distant from him perceived his dedication to the Jewish people.

Deri recounted his first encounters with the Rabbi's wife as a 12-year-old immigrant from Morocco and later as a 17-year-old student. He described the rabbi's deep involvement in Torah study and his meticulous personal attention to Deri's needs, including financial support and spiritual guidance. Deri also shared anecdotes of his time as a close associate, witnessing historical figures like Menachem Begin and leading rabbis seeking the Rabbi's wife's wisdom.

The interview touched upon pivotal moments in the Rabbi's wife's career and the formation of the Shas party. Deri explained how the Rabbi's wife's forced removal from the Chief Rabbinate in 1983 was a turning point that spurred the creation of Shas as an independent Sephardic party, rather than a junior partner within Agudat Yisrael. He detailed the party's early successes, including securing four Knesset seats, and the Rabbi's wife's unwavering commitment to Torah study even amidst political turmoil.

Deri also discussed the Rabbi's wife's role in establishing the Maayan Chinuch Torani educational network and his later years, including his public stance against sanctions on yeshiva students and his final days at Hadassah Hospital. He emphasized the Rabbi's wife's testament on the importance of Torah study, stating that no government supported by Shas would be formed without a complete arrangement for yeshiva students. Deri concluded by referencing a recent political move against him as a transparent political maneuver, expressing confidence in overcoming it with the Rabbi's wife's merit.

Reflecting on political shifts, Deri contrasted the current political landscape with the era of Yitzhak Rabin, whom he described as center-right with no animosity towards religion, unlike today's left-wing parties. He also recounted a deeply personal moment when the Rabbi's wife asked him to accept a secondary position in the party list upon his return in 2013, a request Deri fulfilled out of deep respect and devotion.