CER President Rabbi Yosef Haim Sitruk leads prayer

Paris - 6-Jan-06

CER President and Chief Rabbi of France, HaGaon HaRav Yosef Haim Sitruk Shlita has called on Jewish communities throughout Europe to pray for the speedy recovery of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.

"Shout up to the heavens! Mr Sharon, we need you, stay with us," Chief Rabbi Sitruk told hundreds of congregants gathered for a special prayer service for the recovery of the prime minister at La Grande Synagogue de la Victoire in Paris on Thursday.

"Hakosh Boruch Hu alone gives life and takes it away. The doctors have done all they can to save our dear prime minister. Now, if the divine decree is pronounced, who can change it? Only the community, its prayer is truly heard. Such prayer is strong because it is collective," Chief Rabbi Sitruk said.

"I hope that everyone will express in his heart, in the silence of his own conscience, his recognition for this exceptional man, who has always been a fighter, who so loved the Land and People of Israel and who has given dignity to the whole Jewish People.

"As long as breath remains, life is present, hope still exists and whatever happens, the State of Israel will continue to host high the flag of freedom. Mr Sharon is a man of exceptional courage. When he made concessions, which nobody demanded of him, he believed that peace has no price, that true peace is of the heart and even those who fought this, they too, were afforded their dignity," Chief Rabbi said.

Prayers and psalms were recited during the special service with the Refuah Shlema pronounced by the Chief Rabbi of Paris and CER Standing Committee member Harav David Messas Shlita.