Shas Party Condemns Attorney General's Order to Cancel Rabbi Ovadia Commemoration

The Israeli Attorney General ordered the cancellation of this year's commemoration event for Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, citing concerns that the timing near upcoming elections could turn it into election propaganda. The directive was issued on Thursday, prompting an angry response from the Shas party, which represents the late rabbi's followers.

Shas called the Attorney General's demand "arrogant and outrageous," accusing her of harming the memory of Rabbi Ovadia and disrespecting a large segment of Israeli society that follows his legacy. The party emphasized that the commemoration event is legally mandated by a unanimous Knesset vote, and vowed to use all legal means to overturn the cancellation.

In addition, Shas criticized remarks made by Attorney General staff member Yitzhak Amit, describing them as "mocking, arrogant, and disconnected." The party framed the Attorney General as serving left-wing interests and asserted it would not allow her to damage the rabbi's memory or the community honoring him.

The controversy highlights tensions between the Shas party and the Attorney General's office ahead of the elections, with the commemoration event seen as a significant cultural and political occasion for Shas supporters. The party's vow to challenge the decision suggests ongoing legal and political battles over the event's status.