The President and the members of the board of directors of the SHJT are saddened to announce the passing of Chief Rabbi René-Samuel Sirat, Professor Emeritus at INALCO, former Chief Rabbi of France and Honorary President of the SHJT.
In 1997 he gave his approval to the creation of our association, which answered his wish to see the history of the Jews of the Maghreb taken into account in the general history of the Jews and in the field of university research. He spontaneously gave us his moral support, and his authority and his name opened many doors for us; his interest in our activities and our work never wavered. He took part in preparing our first conference in 1999, which for the first time brought together Israeli and Tunisian historians, and at which he delivered the opening address.
The University has lost one of its eminent masters; French Jewry, a pastor who honoured the rabbinate and remained its Honour and its Conscience; Humanity, a man open to the dialogue of cultures who, through his teaching and his action, embodied the spirit of universality, a believer respectful of all beliefs.
May the memory of the righteous be a blessing.
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