PM: Porat's Zionist fervor never waned for an instant

Netanyahu expresses "deep sorrow" at death of former Knesset member Hanan Porat who died age 67 at home after suffering from cancer.

By HERB KEINON, JPOST.COM STAFF
Hanan Porat (photo credit: Courtesy of Lior Golgher (Wiki Commons))
Hanan Porat
(photo credit: Courtesy of Lior Golgher (Wiki Commons))
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu issued a statement Tuesday expressing "deep sorrow" at the death of former Knesset member Hanan Porat.
Porat was hospitalized on the eve of Rosh Hashana and passed away at his home after suffering from cancer. He was 67.
Porat served as a Knesset member for Tehiya, the National Religious Party, Tkuma, and the National Union during two time periods: from 1981 to 1984 and 1988 to 1999.
"Hanan Porat dedicated his life to building Eretz Yisrael, and to educating generations of national religious students toward the love of the land of Israel, and the people of Israel," Netanyahu said.
Netanyahu pointed out that as a son of Kibbutz Kfar Etzion, a Kibbutz that was destroyed during the War of Independence, Porat "led the return to Gush Etzion after it was liberated" following the Six Day War.
"His contribution to building and settling the land, to education and to Zionist leadership was an example for Israel's citizens," Netanyahu said. "I first met him almost 40 years ago, and was immediately impressed by his Zionist fervor and his deep dedication to returning the Jewish people to its land. That fervor never waned for an instant, and accompanied him to his final day. Much will still be told of his contribution to institutions, individuals, and the education of a younger generation."
Netanyahu conveyed his condolences to Porat's wife, Rachel, to his children, grandchildren and "thousands of his friends and students who will continue in his Zionist path."
Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin also expressed his condolences at the loss of Porat, calling him "a devout Zionist, parliamentarian par excellence, a faithful builder of the Land of Israel, a man of vision and action."
Rivlin said the "Knesset bows its head together with his family, acquaintances, friends, and students."