Minister Uri Orbach
Minister Uri OrbachFlash 90

Senior Citizens' Minister Uri Orbach (Jewish Home) is going into hospital for "urgent and important" medical treatments, he announced Sunday, and asked his supporters to pray for his well-being. 

''My dear followers, now I have to take the time to treat urgent and important medical issues for my health," Orbach wrote. "Thank you for your prayers and your concern."

Orbach asked supporters not to visit him in hospital or to spread rumors about what condition he may be battling. 

''With God's help and the help of his agents, the doctors, I hope to return to robust health, along with all other patients in Israel," he added. "[My name is] Uri Shraga ben [son of - ed.] Pnina.''

Jewish Home chairman Naftali Bennett urged his followers, as well, to pray for Orbach.

''My dear followers, our beloved brother, Minister Uri Orbach, needs prayers from us all for his recovery. Please, people of Israel, pray for the next few minutes - each in your own way - and ask for a speedy recovery to Uri Shraga ben Pnina." 

Bennett also posted Tehilim (Pslams) 130.

Last Thursday, after the publication of the results of the Jewish Home primaries and after Orbach learned he had been elected to the #7 spot, the minister revealed that he is suffering from a nasty bout of flu which has turned into pneumonia.

"Now, at the the command of my doctors, I will be available in the near future to take care of my health matters more intensively, so that I can soon return to full health, with G-d's help, to my work in the Knesset and government," Orbach said. ''I am grateful to the voters for their trust in me again, and I shall work as much as I am able before the next elections." 

The minister indicated, as well, that he had waited until the Knesset was effectively in recess to undergo treatment.