Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, expressed his deep sorrow over the passing of Maran HaGaon Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv ZATZAL. Following is the prime minister�s statement.

“In his rulings, Rabbi Elyashiv made a deep impression on the ultra-Orthodox world and on the entire Jewish People. In his teachings, he outlined a path for many, who drew their strength from his wisdom and his sharp thinking. Rabbi Elyashiv’s way was to love the Torah and humanity, to be self-effacing and to maintain the sanctity of life.

Today, the Jewish People have lost a sharp and incisive rabbi, a wise man of great stature, an emissary who was faithful to the values of the Torah and who gave to others. We mourn his passing.”

(YWN � Israel Desk, Jerusalem)