Many riders on Jerusalem�s light rail were surprised when they saw Jerusalem Chief Ashkenazi Rabbi Aryeh Stern and his assistant Avinoam Kutsher board the train on Wednesday, 3 Iyar, Memorial Day.

It appears the two were heading to Mount Herzl to attend the official state service. Some passengers told the press it was truly a sight, that a person of the rav�s status would travel to the memorial service in an overcrowded train as hundreds of people were heading to Mt. Herzl.

Officials in the rav�s office explain that when Rabbi Stern realized there were major traffic snarls heading into the area, he ordered his driver to pull over. The rabbi and his assistant boarded a train, explaining Rabbi Stern was very concerned that walking in to the ceremony late would compromise the kovod of the fallen, the bereaved families and the ceremony.

(YWN � Israel Desk, Jerusalem)