Israeli Attorney General Orders Cancellation of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef Memorial Rally, Sparking Shas Outrage

The Israeli Attorney General's office instructed the Ministry of Religious Services to cancel or postpone the state memorial rally for Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, the late spiritual leader of the Shas party, citing concerns over election propaganda. The directive was issued amid fears that the event, closely linked to Shas, could not be separated from political campaigning during the election period, even if politicians do not speak at the rally.

The Ministry of Religious Services strongly opposed the order, arguing it contradicts a clear law passed by the Knesset mandating an annual state event to commemorate Rabbi Yosef's legacy. The ministry's director questioned how the Attorney General's office would handle the state memorial for former Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, which is also politically associated and legally established, suggesting that if Rabbi Yosef's rally is canceled, Rabin's should be as well.

Shas party leaders condemned the Attorney General's decision as an outrageous attack on Rabbi Yosef's memory and the large public that follows his legacy. They vowed to challenge the cancellation legally. Shas chairman Aryeh Deri framed the issue as a choice between the Attorney General's office, which he accused of trying to erase Torah and Jewish tradition, and preserving Rabbi Yosef's heritage.

Prominent commentator Yinon Magal also criticized the Attorney General on his radio show, calling her actions audacious and demanding the memorial be held defiantly, even suggesting it take place outside her home. The controversy has ignited a political and public storm over the intersection of state commemorations, religious legacy, and election laws in Israel.