Israeli President Shimon Peres visited the home of Rav Ovadiah Yosef this morning, later meeting as with Israel’s Chief Rabbis, Rav Yonah Metzger and Rav Shlomo Amar. After the meeting, Peres said that he spoke with Rav Yosef, the head of the Shas Party’s Moetzet Chachmei Hatorah, about various matters, including national unity and relations with the United States.
Peres also spoke about Gilad Shalit, stating that Israel is waiting for a response from Hamas on the subject. “We must continue to work and do everything for Gilad’s release, at any price,” he said.
Peres’ visit to the neighborhood of Har Nof, where Rav Yosef lives, continued with stops at the home of Rav Amar and Rav Metzger.
The Chief Rabbis spoke to the president about important issues as well, including poverty in many segments of the community and tension with Israel’s closest ally, the U.S.
During the conversation, Peres spared no criticism for the government’s handling of the emergency room to be built at the Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon, where ancient graves had been found.
“It’s a scandal, and it is a pity that the matter was resolved only after a media sensation,” the President said.
{Yair Alpert-Matzav.com Israel}
Hacham Ovadia should live to 120 years Amen!