We are weeping over the death of our dear, exalted friend, a government minister and leader among Jews, Religious Services Minister Rabbi David Azoulay.
The dear departed was a light of his generation, in both his public activity and how he treated those around him. He always spoke and acted pleasantly.
Everyone who knew him, even those who are not religiously observant, wondered at his greatness, honestly appreciating his worth. He brought a love for the Torah to all those who knew him. His ways and legacy are a model of public leadership. We should learn from him and do as he did.
Even when it was necessary to stand firm, the departed did so bravely and firmly, while speaking in a manner that persuaded many. That is how he often worked for his holy goals and he was privileged to give religion the place it deserved and make precious adjustments for the good of all our Jewish brethren.
The dear departed was loved by our great teacher, Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, who valued him highly. He always welcomed Azoulay warmly and trusted him with matters of the highest importance. In the book Meggid Meisharim, an angel tells Rabbi Joseph Karo that a person who deals faithfully with the needs of the public, learns Torah, and prays properly, merits a special blessing in the next world. Azoulay was just such a person.
Pray for his wife, his children and his entire family, and may we be privileged to see Zion comforted, Jerusalem rebuilt and the dead resurrected in our lifetime. Amen.
