Israeli Sephardi Chief Rabbi Ovadia Yosef Dies

Born in Baghdad in 1920, Yosef and his family move to Palestine four years later, receiving ordination in 1940. One of the most formidable Torah scholars of the 20th century, he is central to founding the Shas Party in the 1984, making it a swing party in building Israeli coalition governments. His influence greatly elevates the prestige of Sephardi Jews, ensures government funding for the poor and support for Shas affiliated, orthodox schools. He famously advocates giving up territories for genuine agreements between Israel and the Palestinians.