Rabbi Yosef's angioplasty successful
Shas spiritual leader undergoes medical procedure at Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital in Jerusalem. On Sunday evening, thousands of people arrive at Western Wall to pray for Yosef's recovery
Shas spiritual leader Rabbi Ovadia Yosef underwent an angioplasty at the Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital in Jerusalem on Monday, after doctors identified that the 86-year-old leader had suffered heart functioning irregularities.
The hospital reported that the procedure was completed successfully, and that the rabbi was recovering in the intensive care unit, where he would remain a few days for observation.
Professor Chaim Lotan, arrived from Switzerland in order to perform the procedure, along with Hadassah’s general director, Professor Shlomo Mor-Yosef. Dr. Boris Varshitzky and Prof. Dan Gilon also participated in the procedure.
The hospital said that Rabbi Yosef had successfully undergone a catheterization procedure and stint implants. The rabbi's aides reported that the surgery was successful and that "any other fear regarding his health has faded."
Rabbi Yosef’s 11 children spent Monday morning in prayer at the hospital. Knesset Speaker Dalia Itzik, Health Minister Yacov Ben Yizri, Industry, Trade and Labor Minister Eliyahu Yishai, and Communications Minister Ariel Atias also visited the hospital.
Rabbi Yosef’s personal physician, Prof. Yohanan Shatsman, who seemed very tense before the rabbi entered the OR, was seen smiling at the end of the procedure. "Thank God, our prayers have been answered,” aides and relatives said.
Worshipers pray for Yosef at Western Wall (Photo: Gil Yohanan)
On Sunday evening, followers gathered at the Western Wall in Jerusalem to take part in a mass prayer for the rabbi's recovery.
Sephardic chief rabbi Shlomo Amar, rabbi Beniyahu Shmouelu, and rabbi Yitzhak Aba Shaul led the ceremony.
Also Sunday, Shas Yeshivas read Psalms for the rabbi's recovery and issued an edict banning students from discussing Yosef's health condition.
"People feel for the rabbi beyond the rabbi-student relation. Those exposed to the rabbi's path and follow it know that if the most important thing is to educate the children of Israel," Lior Gabai, a Shas affiliate said.
Western Wall rabbi Shmuel Rabinovitch lauded Yosef as a "great leader and adjudicator, and when he needs health, the people of Israel pray for him."
He hoped Yosef would recover in time to take part in a mass prayer that will take place between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kipur.
