Netanyahu's Aide Reveals Religious Practices in Prime Minister's Office

Yossi Fuchs, the Government Secretary, revealed on Sunday the spiritual dimension he brought to the Prime Minister's Office, including reciting "Mi Sheberach" prayers before dramatic military operations and distributing Books of Psalms. Fuchs spoke at the second conference of the Tzomet Institute and Makor Rishon, held in Jerusalem, on the topic of "Observant Jews in Senior Positions - Dilemmas and Challenges." He described the unique challenges of being an observant Jew in an environment focused on serving the Israeli people 24/7, noting the rapid transitions between matters of life-and-death importance and those that are not. Fuchs recounted an experience during the early Shabbatot of the war, when he was at the Kirya military headquarters with Arie Deri, Chairman of Shas. He explained the dilemma of needing to open doors on Shabbat for prayer, which might violate Sabbath laws, and the decision to pray alone rather than in a minyan (prayer quorum) to avoid such issues.

Fuchs also stated that during his tenure, he worked to increase the number of religious individuals in the Prime Minister's inner circle, including the Chief of Staff, the National Security Advisor, and the Deputy National Security Advisor. He emphasized the importance he placed on incorporating a spiritual dimension into all activities, especially during wartime. This included reciting "Mi Sheberach" prayers for IDF soldiers before major operations and adding the phrase "B'siyata d'Shmaya" (with Heaven's help) to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speeches.

According to Fuchs, Prime Minister Netanyahu embraced these additions. Despite Netanyahu not being a religious person, Fuchs observed that the Prime Minister deeply connects with Jewish history and sees himself as continuing the path of national leaders. Fuchs noted that Netanyahu now independently adds the phrase "B'siyata d'Shmaya" to his speeches, which Fuchs believes is beneficial for the leader of the country.