Ashdod Rabbi Urges Public Support for Scholar Battling Leukemia Ahead of Son’s Wedding

Rabbi Yitzhak Aharon Israeli, the chief rabbi of Ashdod, issued an emotional public appeal regarding a prominent Torah scholar suffering from chronic leukemia. The scholar, a devoted family man and respected figure in the religious community, faces a relentless battle with the disease that requires ongoing medical tests, expensive medications, and frequent hospitalizations. Rabbi Israeli emphasized the severity of the scholar’s condition and the heavy toll it has taken on his finances, leading to overwhelming debts and legal enforcement actions.

The rabbi described the scholar’s dual struggle: maintaining his religious studies while coping with the physical and financial hardships of his illness. Adding to the family’s challenges, the scholar’s son is soon to be married, an event that brings joy but also significant financial strain. The father, already burdened by medical expenses and debts, cannot afford the wedding costs.

Rabbi Israeli called on the public to contribute generously to help the family cover the wedding expenses, highlighting the urgency due to the approaching date. The community is invited to donate 380 shekels each to support the family and ensure the son’s wedding proceeds with dignity. The rabbi concluded with a blessing, expressing hope that those who assist will be richly rewarded. The fundraising effort is coordinated by Kupat Ha'Ir, which stresses that the family will celebrate the wedding regardless, but with communal support, the burden can be shared.