Israeli Rabbi Of Peace Dies Of Coronavirus In Jerusalem

Israeli Rabbi Of Peace Dies Of Coronavirus In Jerusalem

Former chief rabbi of Israel, Eliahou Bakshi-Doron, who was known for promoting peace through interfaith dialogue has died. 

The 79-year-old died Sunday of COVID-19 at the Shaare Tzedek hospital in Jerusalem.

He was the Sephardic chief rabbi of Israel between 1993 and 2003.

Born in Jerusalem in 1941, he was chief rabbi of the northern port city of Haifa for 18 years before being elected chief rabbi of Israel.

He met Pope John Paul II in 2000 during the pontiff’s visit to Israel, sparking criticism from some ultra-Orthodox rabbis.

An advocate of interfaith dialogue, he increased engagement with Muslim and Christian leaders.

His reputation was, however, somewhat tarnished when he was handed a one-year suspended prison sentence for corruption and breach of trust in 2017.

The rabbi was hospitalised some days ago but suffered from pre-existing conditions that led to his condition deteriorating, the hospital said in a statement.(AFP)