Thousands bid farewell to MK Uri Orbach

Thousands of people attended the funeral of popular Habayit Hayehudi minister Uri Orbach in Modiin on Monday. Orbach, who passed away earlier in the day at the age of 54 from a blood disorder, is survived by his wife and four children.

On his death bed, Orbach told his wife Michal that he wanted the phrase "Led many followers in his quiet way" to sum up his life.

At his funeral, as thousands gathered to accompany him on his last journey, the meaning of this sentiment was clear.

Politicians from across the spectrum eulogized Orbach. President Reuven Rivlin spoke first, saying: "Last Sukkot, we had an open house at the President's Residence. The guards found you waiting in line with the rest of the public, with you explaining you didn't want to trouble the guards. 'I came to see the president,' you said with your typical modesty. 'I would be happy to see the president if he has time, but I don't want to impose.' This is just one story that tells of your humility.

"I always had time for you. For some reason, at the moment of truth, I cannot seem to find the words to tell you how much I miss you. Where is Uri to show up with a good joke and a captivating smile? We honestly believed you would make the Angel of Death laugh so hard that he would sit this one out."

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, "I mourn the loss of Uri Orbach, minister, journalist, philosopher, and Jewish patriot. Uri won the hearts of everyone with his charm and wisdom. He was incredibly sensitive to people, a sensitivity he brought with him to the Senior Citizens Ministry, and to anything he took interest in.

"He was always extraordinarily witty, but there was never any malice to him. I have never met anyone who knew him and did not love him. Last night I bade him farewell at the hospital, with a deep sense of grief and loss. Uri will be greatly missed by his family, his friends in government, and all of Israel."

Habayit Hayehudi leader Naftali Bennett said, "I have lost my elder brother, a man of integrity and wisdom, of laughter and of earnest, a man of courage and vision. There was no one else like him in the cynical world of politics. He will be sorely missed."

In a post on his Facebook page, Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein wrote, "If there was ever anyone who could bridge over political gaps, it was Uri. He was a true friend to many, and his contribution to political and public discourse in Israel will be greatly spoken of in the future. It is a great loss for us all."

Meretz leader Zehava Galon said, "I am mourning the loss of Uri Orbach, a pleasant, decent, witty man, with a unique worldview, who excelled as a parliamentarian and was always a worthy adversary."

Before becoming involved in politics, Orbach was a journalist, publicist and author. In the 1980s, he was one of the founders of religious children's newspaper Otiyot ("Letters"), which he also edited, as well as several other publications. Orbach also co-founded ultra-Orthodox radio station Kol Chai Radio and was a political columnist at Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper. He also penned several children's books.

Orbach won several prizes for his journalistic work, including the Commander's Prize at Army Radio, and he was nominated several times for the title of radio's man of the year.

He coined several popular slogans that continue to resonate with the Israeli public, such as "The people with the Golan" and "Hebron, now and forever," to oppose territorial concessions.

Orbach became a Knesset member for Habayit Hayehudi in 2009. From 2013, he headed the Senior Citizens Ministry. He fought for the rights of senior citizens in numerous ways, including creating "Tuesdays in Suspenders," a day on which senior citizens receive discounts on various activities.

The last to eulogize Orbach on Monday were his widow, Michal, and son Ron.

"For over 30 years, I had the pleasure to accompany an extraordinary man, a creative entrepreneur and leader," Michal said. "For Uri, humor was another way to perceive life and it also gave him a different perspective of himself -- to not take himself too seriously. Once, one of the bodyguards called him 'Minister Orbach,' and he replied, 'Call someone else minister.' Let's remember Uri as he wanted -- with love and a smile."

And son Ron said, "Tikkun Olam starts with the work of many good people, and good people start with us. If in your next decision you are a little more 'Uri Orbach,' then you have done something good and a satisfied mustached smile will shine from you."

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