An estimated 100,000 people attended the 32nd Yom Hilula (Yahrzeit) of Rabbi Israel Abuhatzeira, the Baba Sali, Wednesday, in the town of Netivot. The Baba Sali was a prominent Moroccan rabbi, renowned for his miracle works. He was the scion of a distinguished family of scholars and kabbalists, the grandson of Rabbi Yaakov Abu Hasira, and a descendant of Rabbi Shmuel Abuhatzeira, a student of Rabbi Chaim Vital, the foremost disciple of Rabbi Isaac Luria, the AR”I ZL.
Rabbi Israel Abuhatzeira was also renowned for his blessings, which he offered generously to his visitors, which is why crowds of believers continue to visit his grave to this day. His Hilula was attended by many politicians and rabbis, including the freshly reappointed Minister of the Interior Aryeh Deri (Shas).