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Photo: Gil Yohanan
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Photo: Gil Yohanan

Mercaz Harav yeshiva marks Jerusalem Day

Head of seminary which lost eight of its students in terror attack replies to Prime Minister Olmert's remark that 'only delusional fantasists believe in a Greater Israel,' promises that 'a kingdom and government will rise from under this hollow regime'

Mercaz Harav yeshiva, which lost eight of its students in a terror attack in March, held its traditional Jerusalem Day rally on Sunday evening.

 

"Today is a day of self-examination in regards to Jerusalem's meaning," said Rabbi Yaakov Shapira, the yeshiva head. "Unfortunately, they are those who say about us – the lovers of Jerusalem – that only delusional fantasists can think today about the grains of the Land of Israel. God forbid! We do not live from their mouth, and thank God, we are the dreamers and the fighters."

 

Addressing Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's recent remarks that "only delusional fantasists believe in a Greater Israel," Rabbi Shapira promised that "under this hollow regime, a kingdom and a government will rise, which will draw its powers from eternal life."

 

The rabbi clarified, "God forbid, we are not talking about pullouts and divisions and are not driven to despair."

 

Hundreds of people took part in the rally, including Jerusalem Mayor Uri Lupolianski, Jerusalem opposition leader Nir Barkat, Knesset Members Benyamin Elon and Nissan Slomiansky (National Union-National Religious Party), former Chief Rabbi Israel Meir Lau, Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu, Mercaz Harav rabbis and the bereaved families who lost their sons in the yeshiva terror attack.


 

Celebrating. Mercaz Harav on Sunday night (Photo: Gil Yohanan)

 

Addressing the massacre at the yeshiva about three months ago, Rabbi Shapira said that "great declarations were made when outstanding personalities were here. Now they are joined by the eight holies.

 

The yeshiva head reiterated his call on the government to demolish the home of the terrorist who carried out the attack, saying this was part of Jerusalem's construction.

 

"Those in charge did not know how to destroy the home of one terrorist, may he be cursed, and are using different legal excuses to hinder the most basic and moral decision," he said.

 

He also called on Jerusalem's mayor to continue building the city.

 

Beit El Rabbi Zalman Melamed called on the religious camp to unite. He mentioned the unity in the nation before the Six Day War and after the great victory, and ruled that Jerusalem unites and connects: "Our public must know how to use the power of unity and unification without blurring the different shades it has."

 

The Mercaz Harav rally launched the Jerusalem Day celebrations in the capital. Later in the night, the participants left the yeshiva and headed to the Western Wall in a traditional flag dance, with thousands of people singing and dancing at the Western Wall plaza.

 

Dozens of stages will be set up across Jerusalem's neighborhood Monday in preparation for the events marking the 41st anniversary of the capital's unification.

 


פרסום ראשון: 06.02.08, 08:17
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