MK Orbach takes leave from ministry as health deteriorates

He was hospitalized a month ago because of a hematological (blood) disease from which he suffers.

By LAHAV HARKOV
Uri Orbach (photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM)
Uri Orbach
(photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM)
Senior Citizens Minister Uri Orbach took leave from his position on Sunday, as his health continued to deteriorate.
Orbach was hospitalized a month ago at Jerusalem’s Shaare Zedek Medical Central for treatment of a hematological (blood) disease from which he suffers.
The hospital said on Sunday that Orbach’s condition “continues to be serious. The family thanks the public for its support and asks them to continue to pray for his recovery and honor his privacy.”
Economy Minister Naftali Bennett is taking over Orbach’s responsibilities as he undergoes treatment.
A prayer rally for Orbach was held in his hometown, Modi’in, Sunday night.
Two weeks ago, Bennett asked on his Facebook wall for the public to pray for his “beloved friend who is dear to me like a brother,” Uri Shraga son of Pnina, and Orbach took to the social network to thank the public for their prayers.
Orbach came in fourth in the Bayit Yehudi primary, and is sixth on the party’s list for Knesset.
Judy Siegel contributed to this report.