JERUSALEM (JTA) — Thousands attended the funeral of long-serving Knesset member Rabbi Menachem Porush.
Porush died at his home in Jerusalem late Sunday evening at the age of 94. He was buried Monday afternoon in Jerusalem’s Mount of Olives cemetery.
Porush, father of the current Deputy Education Minister Meir Porush, served in the Knesset as a member of the Agudat Israel and later the United Torah Judaism parties for 35 years until 1994, but remained politically active for the rest of his life.
He was a writer and editor for religious newspapers in the 20 years before entering the Knesset in 1959.
"The Jewish People have lost a dear, wise and warm man who loved his People and was among its most dedicated public servants," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement released from his office. "We mourn his passing."
"His big and merciful heart suddenly stopped, but his activities will forever be remembered," said President Shimon Peres. "The Rabbi was a rare man, a distinguished Jew, like one of the Wailing Wall stones in the Holy City. He did not waste a minute of his life, and gave his all to serve the public, the country and the Jewish people."
