Israel’s chief rabbi tells rescue workers to continue working through Shabbat

Israel’s chief rabbi, David Lau, has given a religious edict to Israeli rescue workers to continue working through Shabbat, the Jewish holy day of rest which runs from sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday.

“A terrible disaster occurred this week in Turkey,” Lau wrote. “A severe earthquake hit many cities and many buildings collapsed on their inhabitants.”

He added that “wherever there is any chance of saving lives and finding survivors, the engineering team must continue its activities.”

The head of Antakya's Jewish community in Turkey, Saul Cenudioglu and his wife Fortuna were found dead in the ruins of their home on Friday.

The announcement was made by the Turkish Chief Rabbinate Foundation.