Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky, one of the most prominent Rabbis of the Haredi community, fainted in his home in Bnei Brak and underwent resuscitation by medical personnel. He was announced dead soon after, at the age of 94.
He was born on January 8, 1928, in Pinsk, Poland, and was quickly recognized for his impressive memory and exegetical skills. He served in Israel's War of Independence, and afterward became the leader of the country's Haredi community, receiving thousands of questions a day for spiritual guidance and on matters of Jewish law.
His family called for the public to pray for Rabbi Kanievky's wellbeing. Dozens of people gathered under the rabbi's house to recite prayers and Psalms.
The funeral has been scheduled for Sunday due to the narrow window of time before Shabbat.
Numerous public officials, including the Prime Minister cabinet ministers, party leaders, and the mayor of Jerusalem called for the public to pray on his behalf.
MK Miri Regev (Likud) eulogized him, saying "I bow my head and mourn together with all the people of Israel for the passing of the greatest of the generation, the late Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky. Rabbi Kanievsky was an exemplary figure. His wisdom and blessings accompanied the national leadership at many crucial junctures. The State of Israel will preserve the memory of the Rabbi. I send my condolences to those mourning him - the entire nation of Israel. May his memory be a blessing."
MK Miki Zohar (Likud) added "A great man has fallen, just before the beginning of Shabbat. The greatest man of the generation, Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky, has passed away. May the memory of the righteous be a blessing."
MK Itamar Ben-Gvir (Religious Zionism) commented "Blessed be the true Judge. I have now received the bitter news of the death of the greatest of the generation, Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky, a holy man who dedicated his entire life to the study of the Torah and prayer for the people of Israel. The Rabbi was a symbol and role model of the love of the Torah and the land while living a life of modesty and humility. The Rabbi will be missed by all the people of Israel. May his soul be bundled in the bundle of life."
MK Israel Katz (Likud) wrote "I ache and mourn together with of Israel for the late Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky. I had the privilege of being at his home many times for advice and blessing and I was always thrilled by his personality and upbringing in the Torah."