Menachem Porush, Israeli rabbi, politician, and longtime ultra-Orthodox activist, dies at 93

Israeli rabbi and politician dies at 93

JERUSALEM — Menachem Porush, an esteemed Israeli rabbi and longtime leader of one of the most influential ultra-Orthodox factions in parliament, has died of an apparent heart attack. He was 93.

Porush served for more than 30 years in parliament, serving twice as deputy labor minister. He was best known for leading the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community’s efforts to stem growing secularization in Israel during the 1980s and 1990s, and to preserve Israeli control over holy sites in the West Bank.

Porush also founded several religious education centers for ultra-Orthodox children.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu eulogized Porush, who died Sunday, as “a dear, wise, and warm man” and one of Israel’s “most dedicated public servants.”

His funeral was set for later Monday.