The Vizhnitzer Rebbe, Rabbi Moshe Yehoshua Hagar, passed away on Tuesday night at the age of 95 after a long illness.
Army Radio reports that over the past 10 years Rabbi Hagar was less visible at public functions due to his declining health.
“We lost a dear man, an incredible figure and amazing leader,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Eliezer Moses, deputy education minister and a member of the Vizhnitz community. “The passing away of the Rebbe is a loss not only to Vizhnitz, but to the entire Jewish world,” he added.
Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin eulogized Rabbi Hagar at the Knesset, calling him a “great leader,” and voicing condolences to the entire Vizhnitz community as well as to the Rebbe’s sons and daughters.
Tens of thousands were expected to attend the Bnei Brak funeral on Wednesday afternoon. Police announced streets would be closed during the event and medical crews were put on high alert.
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