Israeli Rabbi and Politician, Menachem Porush Passes Away

JERUSALEM — Paying final respects to their leader; thousands of people, including public figures, attended the funeral procession of Rabbi Menachem Porush today, Monday. They gathered in Jerusalem near Kikar Shabbos, and from there were to head off to the Mount of Olives Cemetery.

Menachem Porush was an esteemed Israeli Rabbi and longtime leader of one of the most influential ultra-Orthodox factions in parliament, has died of an apparent heart attack. He was 93.

Porush served for more than 30 years in parliament, serving twice as deputy labor minister. He was best known for leading the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community’s efforts to stem growing secularization in Israel during the 1980s and 1990s, and to preserve Israeli control over holy sites in the West Bank.

Porush also founded several religious education centers for ultra-Orthodox children.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu eulogized Porush, who died Sunday, as “a dear, wise, and warm man” and one of Israel’s “most dedicated public servants.”