Migdal HaEmek Chief Rabbi Yitzchok Dovid Grossman expressed his sorrow upon hearing of the petira of Ariel Sharon. Rav Grossman spoke of Sharon’s ahavas yisrael and referred to him as a loyal and trusted friend, one who loves and cared about Jews.

R’ Grossman explained the former government minister was always too willing to assist him with his Migdal Ohr project, helping thousands of underprivileged children. “Never once did he decline a request from me for assistance” explains the rav. He stated Sharon exhibited his love for Jews and concern for others “in all stops in his life, in the military and as a politician.”

Rav Grossman explains that Sharon was there to enlist the support of philanthropists on behalf of the “tenokos shel beis raban”. A dormitory for girls was named Beit Lily in memory of the former prime minister’s wife.

Rav Grossman recalls that his secretary on January 4, 2006 told him “the prime minister is on the line” explaining this was not rare as Mr. Sharon often called to inquire into the well-being of the children. The next day he suffered the stroke from which he remained comatose until his petira. Rabbi Grossman recalls that just a short time before his stroke the prime minister had him and some of the children at his Sycamore Ranch for Chanukah candle lighting.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)