1920-2013 –
Funeral follows death earlier Monday of Shas spiritual leader and former chief rabbi.
Jerusalem streets closed to traffic as funeral procession makes its way through city.
More than half a million mourners on Monday took part in Rabbi Ovadia Yosef‘s funeral procession in Jerusalem, Israel Police estimated, following his death earlier that day at the age of 93.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, center, escorts the body of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef during his the funeral in Jerusalem, Monday, Oct. 7, 2013. – Photo: AP
The procession left the Porat Yosef Yeshiva at 6 P.M. and made its way to the Sanhedria Cemetery in the capital. Thousands have made their way to Jerusalem to attend the funeral.
Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men try to push past a police cordon – Photo by Reuters
Jewish mourners attend the funeral of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef – Photo:AFP
Children weeping over the death of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef at the Western Wall. – Photo: Emil Salman
Hundreds of thousands of mourners attended the Funeral of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef in Jerusalem. – Photo: Tomer Appel
Orthodox men sit next to body of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef in Jerusalem, Monday, Oct. 7, 2013.- Photo: AP
Police and Jerusalem and Magen David Adom emergency service were preparing to provide security and medical services during the funeral. Many of the city’s streets were closed to traffic, including the eastern entrance to the capital (Route 1).
Jerusalem’s light rail train lines were altered and the police have asked motorists to avoid entering and leaving the city if possible. The police have also set up an information hotline. Its number is 1-700-553-100.
Jerusalem mayor Nir Barkat has pledged in recent months that Yosef will be commemorated in the city.
View original HAARETZ publication at: http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/1.551075
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