Chief rabbi Rav Isak Haleva dies in Türkiye at 85
Türkiye's Chief Rabbi Rav Isak Haleva (Anadolu Agency)
Chief rabbi of Türkiye, Rav Isak Haleva died at the age of 85, according to Turkish Jewish Community’s X post.
The offical account of the Turkish Jewish Community announced, “We are deeply saddened by the loss of our esteemed Elder, our Chief Rabbi Rav Isak Haleva, who always believed in the unifying power of peace and love and who led our community in line with this for many years. Baruch Dayan Ha Emet.”
Who was Rabbi Rav Isak Haleva?
Isak Haleva was born in Istanbul in 1940. After completing his high school education at Beyoglu Jewish High School, he graduated in 1961 from the Porat Yosef Theological Academy in Jerusalem with a degree in religious law and education.
From 1961 to 1963, he served as a reserve officer teacher in Manisa and Kayseri of the Turkish Armed Forces. Having held various positions in the Religious Council of the Chief Rabbi’s Office, he became the 3rd Chief Rabbi of Turkey in 2002 following the death of Chief Rabbi David Asseo.
Haleva was slightly injured during the 2003 terrorist bombings targeting the Turkish Jewish comunity which claimed the lives of 55 civilians in Istanbul by extremist groups operating in Türkiye and Syria.
He taught Religion and Ethics and Hebrew at Jewish schools for 27 years and also taught Hebrew at Marmara and Sakarya Universities. He has published various research and articles on the Torah, Talmud, Jewish theology, and general theology.
He leaves behind a wife and four children.
Subtly preaching peace, no direct support for Palestinians
Türkiye has remained at odds with Israel over its disproportional response to the Oct. 7 Hamas attack which claimed the lives of 1,200 individuals.
Since then Israel has killed over 46,000 Palestianians, according to Palestinian Health Officials, whereas private studies such as The Lancet Study believe the figure is over 64,000.
Haleva subtly navigated this situation by issuing a multitude of statements preaching for peace but never showcasing direct support for Palestinians.
Following the passing of Isak Haleva, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called Turkish Jewish Community for condolences.
