Hesder Yeshivas Association Mourns Passing of First Secretary-General

The passing of Rabbi Eliyahu HaCohen Rot, the first secretary-general of the Hesder Yeshivas Association, has brought Rabbi Ben Zion Krieger back to memories of their shared studies at Kerem B'Yavneh, military service in the Six-Day War, and the early days of the Kotel Yeshiva. Rabbi Rot, who died after battling illness, was remembered by Rabbi Krieger as a scholar and a man of action who was always ready to volunteer and get things done.

Rabbi Rot studied at the Netiv Meir Yeshiva and later at the Kerem B'Yavneh Hesder Yeshiva. Following the Six-Day War, he joined a group of senior students from Kerem B'Yavneh who went to strengthen the newly founded Kotel Yeshiva. He later became the first secretary-general of the Hesder Yeshivas Association, working for years to establish the Hesder program and liaise with yeshivas nationwide.

Rabbi Krieger recalled their time together at Kerem B'Yavneh, their service during the Six-Day War, and their move to the Kotel Yeshiva in 1967. He noted Rabbi Rot's characteristic ability to connect Torah scholarship with intensive public activity, describing him as "a serious man of action" who immediately took charge when they arrived at the Kotel Yeshiva.

Their connection continued after their studies. In 1975, Rabbi Krieger was among the founders of the Ma'alot Hesder Yeshiva, while Rabbi Rot served as the secretary-general of the Hesder Yeshivas Association. Rabbi Krieger described Rabbi Rot as efficient and effective, noting that "things were done quickly, well, and efficiently" with him, in contrast to the slower pace of today.

Rabbi Krieger also highlighted Rabbi Rot's sense of mission, which extended beyond the Hesder Yeshivas. While at the Kotel Yeshiva, they also taught at a school out of a sense of duty to provide students with diverse Torah perspectives. This commitment to contributing to important causes continued throughout Rabbi Rot's career, including his work with the Jewish Agency, where he led educational and Zionist programs for Jewish communities worldwide and strengthened ties between the diaspora and Israel.

The Hesder Yeshivas Association issued a statement expressing condolences to Rabbi Rot's family, acknowledging his many contributions to Torah and the land.