The name of R. Avihazira become legendary in fact, story and song among wide circles of modern-day Jews. This is due in no small measure to the impact on the Jewish consciousness of the life of the Baba Sali, the "Praying Father" of the Moroccan Jewish community, who made Aliyah to the Land of Israel in the middle of the twentieth century. Baba Sali settled in Netivot, adjacent to the Yeshivat HaNegev. Because of his great influence, the Negev began to blossom spiritually, and thousands of Jews returned to their religious roots in Torah Judaism. The influence of this great Tzadik ("righteous person") extended far beyond Netivot, the Moroccan Jewish community and Israel and he became a cherished leader of the world Jewish community. People traveled to him far and wide to receive his advice, blessing, or amulets.