Israel's Chief Rabbis say possible to attend funerals remotely

Rabbis cite concern by security forces saying mass funerals could become target for Hamas terrorist as forces continue combating them across Israel
Kobe Nachshoni|
The Chief Rabbis of Israel, Rabbi David Lau and Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef issued a joint public statement on Sunday in which they said that "it is possible to attend funeral remotely by reciting chapters of Psalms in honor of the victims."
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According to the rabbis, "security forces are concerned that funerals may become a threat. Therefore, the public should act according to security guidelines and not take unneeded risks." The Chief Rabbis requested the IDF’s Home Front Command to clarify this as well.
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הרבנים הראשיים לצד השר לשירותי דת, מיכאל מלכיאלי
הרבנים הראשיים לצד השר לשירותי דת, מיכאל מלכיאלי
Rabbi David Lau and Rabbi Yithak Yosef
(Photo: Elad Zagman, GPO)
In their statement, the Chief Rabbis addressed Hamas’ offensive against Israel.
"The Israeli people are experiencing difficult days. Soldiers, police officers, and civilians are being killed and risking their lives to save the people of Israel. The murderous killing spree claims many victims. The entire nation feels bereaved families’ pain, and prays for the recovery of the wounded, and for the wellbeing of captives and those still missing. This is the time to come together and unite as one," they wrote.
"We call on everyone to pray for God to lead our soldiers to victory against the enemies rising against us," the rabbis wrote. "May God harm our enemies. Let us love one another and unite as one. We’ve been promised that God will not abandon His people. Even in these difficult times, we trust God will answer our prayers."
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הקריאה של הרבנים לציבור
הקריאה של הרבנים לציבור
Official statement made by chief rabbis of Israel
According to them: "We must all work to assist our soldiers and residents in southern Israel, while following the security forces’ guidelines. Together, we’ll pray for God to watch over us. We send our condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones and wish a complete recovery to all the wounded. Our hearts go out to the families who are still unsure as to the fate of their loved ones, and we pray for them."
"We call on everyone in Israel not to lose their spirit,” the statement added. “In all difficult situations, we have had our faith in God, that accompanies us even in the current struggle. Our unity and care for one another are part of our identity, and now is our time to show it."
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