Israel mourns the loss of Torah giant Rabbi Meir Mazuz, following his passing

Israel is mourning the loss of one of its most prominent spiritual leaders, Rabbi Meir Mazuz zt”l, head of the “Kisse Rahamim” Yeshiva and a towering figure in the world of Torah, Jewish law, and Sephardic tradition. Rabbi Mazuz, regarded as one of the greatest Torah scholars of our generation, passed away, leaving behind a deep sense of grief across the country and the Jewish world.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a heartfelt statement mourning the loss. “I deeply grieve, along with many others in our nation, the passing of Rabbi Meir Mazuz zt”l — one of the greatest Torah sages of our generation, head of the Kisse Rahamim Yeshiva, and a pillar of halacha and the Sephardic tradition,” Netanyahu wrote. “I was privileged to meet and speak with Rabbi Mazuz. I was always struck by his wisdom, insight, and humility.”

Netanyahu emphasized Rabbi Mazuz’s role in preserving and proudly carrying the heritage of Tunisian Jewry. “He raised generations of students who continue his path. I am confident that his unique presence will be remembered for generations, and the light of his Torah will never fade. My wife Sara and I send our deepest condolences to the Mazuz family and all who cherished the rabbi. May his memory be a blessing.”

Former minister Eli Yishai, a close disciple of Rabbi Mazuz, expressed his grief with moving words: “The angels have claimed the holy, and the Ark of God has been taken. He was the pillar of fire that went before the camp, the faithful shepherd, a warrior for truth and justice. He taught Torah to thousands and tens of thousands, raising students across the globe. Humble and modest, he soared like a lion in his divine service.”

Yishai praised Rabbi Mazuz as a "giant in Torah, with mastery over all its hidden treasures and commentaries. He restored the wall of faith with the clarity of his Torah. He was the last remnant of a generation of true knowledge. Our teacher, our rabbi, the great gaon Rabbi Meir Mazuz zt”l — may the entire house of Israel mourn the fire God has kindled.”

Following the announcement of Rabbi Mazuz’s passing, Shas Party chairman Aryeh Deri, in consultation with Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, instructed mayors and party representatives in multiple cities to cancel planned Mimouna celebrations. Among them was the mayor of Elad, Yehuda Butbul. Events in Bnei Brak and other communities were also called off in his memory. “May G-d heal the brokenness of His people,” the Shas statement concluded.

Rabbi Mazuz was revered not only for his scholarship but also for his moral leadership, modesty, and deep dedication to the Jewish people. His passing marks the end of an era for the Sephardic Torah world and for countless students, followers, and admirers around the globe.