Leader of Neturei Karta, died at age 98 in London • Life Story

'Neturei Karta' lost one of their leaders and teachers, Hagaon R' Yisroel Yerachmiel Domb zt"l from London, who passed away at the age of 98 years.

The deceased zt"l was born in Poland to a Hassidei Alexander family and was called 'Yisroel Yerachmiel, named after the Rebbe Yismach Yisrael of Alexander zt"l. Because of his talents, he was accepted to Yeshivas Chachmei Lublin, and was soon considered one of the prodigies in it. He was one of the last students of R' Meir Shapiro of Lublin zt"l.

Harav Domb also absorbed the flavors of the Mashgiach in the Yeshiva, Hagaon Hatzadim R' Shimon Halevi Engel of Zelihov hy"d, to whom he cleaved with every fiber of his heart and soul. Later, he also published his books, including the book 'Naharei Esh', which was hidden by him in his hand writing.

As a follower of the teachings of the Akeidas Yitzchok of Alexander hy"d, known as a Rebbe who was not one of Agudath Yisrael and is considered to be zealous of his convictions, and R' Shimele Zelihover, also known for his zealous outlook - Harav Domb continued to stick to their opinions.

After the war he cleaved to the way of Neturei Karta, which he saw as the flag carrier for uncompromising zeal and moved to England. He came to Israel to visit, as fighter and anti- Agudah, just prior to elections, to raise the flag of the participation in the elections. He has also published two books - one called 'Es Nisayon' and the other called 'Ha'atakot', including articles on hashkofa and philosophy - from his zealous way.

He was known primarily as a genius and one who knows all treasures of Torah. If someone asked him where an article appears in Yerushalmi Talmud or Bavli (even before the era of 'Google' and various programs) he would come up to the home of Harav Domb and get an answer on the spot.

He was also a gifted speaker. On Friday nights, he would give a Shiur on Chumash and Rashi at the Beis Midrash of Hassidei Monkatch in London. Hundreds flocked to those classes which sometimes lasted for four hours. The public was fascinated and did not feel how the time passed. His acquaintances relate about his phenomenal memory. "One night of Yom Kippur, a group of people gathered after the service, which began to learn Mishnayos. Harav Domb sat across, and recited by heart all the Mishnayos, while explaining in good taste and opinion. "

Around Harav Domb gathered a large group of kannoim who lived in London, and he was their leader and mentor. At the end of his life, his associates and students held a special Minyan at his home.

Kannoi, gvir, and ba'al tzedoka

Although he could have taken on a Torah job, Harav Domb refrained from exploit his Torah for a livelihood and dealt in the gold trading business and did well in his business. He became rich and was known as a wealthy man. In addition, he was known as a ba'al tzedoka and as one whose heart and door are always open to all comers.

Unlike some of the Neturei Karta, Harav Domb disliked any contact with Arab and Palestinian leaders, and participating in demonstrations by Muslims against Israel. He denounced Moshe Hirsch who boasted about the title of Jewish Affairs Minister in the Palestinian Government, and the surreal visit to Sheikh Raed Salah while in London, and the highly publicized visit by Iranian President Ahmadinejad. He gave a public opinion, which said: "These people are not part of Neturei Karta ... they are individual madmen."

He once invited by the Egyptian Embassy in London, to a special party which was held for ambassadors from around the world. The embassy, which heard about Harav Domb who is zealous and militant against Zionism, asked him to participate in the gathering and say things against the state.

Harav Domb declined the offer, citing "What they want to hear, I'll never say. What I have to utter, they will never understand. What do they understand about "because of our sins we were exiled from our land ..."?"

Harav Domb is survived by two sons and two daughters, and many tens of descendants walking in his ways.

His levaya left this evening from his home in London in Stamford Hill to the local cemetery where he was buried.

May his memory be blessed.

'בחדרי' גם ברשתות החברתיות - הצטרפו!