The electronic news media gave extensive coverage about the
passing of Maran Rosh Hayeshiva, ztvk'l. The media
reported biographical sketches and news about his funeral
procession.
Cellular phone networks in the center of Bnei Brak crashed
during the levaya. For several long hours it was
nearly impossible to connect from or to a cellphone number,
due to the large volume of callers clogging the Bnei Brak
area's switchboards.
On early Friday morning, just moments after the passing of
Maran Rosh Hayeshiva ztvk'l, dozens of journalists
gathered at the entrance of the Tel Hashomer Hospital where
the Rosh Hayeshiva passed away.
Knesset Members Rabbi Avraham Ravitz and Rabbi Moshe Gafni
issued an official statement to the mass media asking them to
honor the Godol Hador's memory by not broadcasting on news of
the levaya or biographical information on Shabbos. It
has been confirmed that the Israeli media did refrain from
press coverage of the levaya for the duration of
Shabbos.
The media gave widespread coverage about the life and times
of Maran Rosh Hayeshiva, including HaRav Shach's views about
various public figures.
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon issued a special statement
regarding the passing HaRav Man Shach. The prime minister
said that "a unique person of the generation has been taken
from us, with great sorrow. He was among the great gedolei
haTorah of Israel, and had great influence on the image
and Jewish character of the State, and who fought with
passion and determination for his position about proper
values."
The Prime Minister emphasized the efforts of the Rosh
Hayeshiva in rehabilitating Torah Judaism after the
Holocaust. Prime Minister Sharon stated that "History shall
remember HaRav Elazar Menachem Shach, ztvk'l, as one
who produced tens of thousands of talmidim in Israel
and throughout the Jewish world."
At the Sunday Cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Sharon also
commented on the passing of HaRav Shach. The Prime Minister
noted the appreciation for the late Rabbi Shach's work over
many years on behalf of the Torah world and all Jewish
issues. "There is no doubt that we have lost an important
person who made his mark over many years. I express
condolences on behalf of all of us; we share in the mourning
and sorrow of his family and the chareidi community."
