Aryeh Deri’s resignation from the post of chairman of Shas has led to calls from all sides for him to return.
The Rishon Letzion, Rav Yitzchok Yosef, has written a letter that is mechazeik Deri and also decries the degradation of his father, Chacham Ovadiah Yosef zt”l.
In his opening, Rav Yitzchak refers to Deri as “rosh v’rishon l’chol davar shebekeduasha maskil navon v’chacham yetzav Hashem.”
He continues, “In my capacity as Chief Rabbi of Israel, I am unable to get involved in political matters, but I am writing this personal letter to recognize his [Deri’s] activities on behalf of the holy Torah and religious life in Eretz Yisroel.
“And I know personally the great portion he has in establishing talmudei Torah and preventing a major crisis at the beginning of 5774, and that thanks to him many Torah schools continued to function”
“I personally witnessed the great affection that my great father zt”l showed to him [Deri], and during his last months he would come almost every day to my father, and I saw how happy he was and how he enjoyed those discussions.
“How much pain I have experienced for the bizayon of kavod haTorah with the release of the tapes by certain parties, and I stand astonished at everyone who had a hand in this and support such a thing. Vehu rachum yechaper avon.”
At the end of the letter, Rav Yitzchak congratulates Deri that he merit to raise the banner of Torah amidst robust health and nachas and shalom.
{Matzav.com Israel News Bureau}
