Israel's Attorney General Addresses Controversy Over Rabbi Ovadia Yosef Memorial Event

Israel's Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara has responded to controversy surrounding her decision to postpone a government-sponsored memorial event for Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, a prominent Sephardic rabbi. In a letter to the Director-General of the Ministry of Religious Services, the Attorney General's office stated there is no fundamental objection to holding events commemorating Rabbi Yosef's passing.

However, the ministry was advised against holding the government event close to election day. The letter emphasized the "undisputed public importance of commemorating Rabbi Ovadia Yosef," including on the anniversary of his death, the 3rd of Cheshvan, which falls on October 14th this year. The Attorney General clarified that a distinction must be made between commemoration events and a government event that might occur near the Knesset elections.

The ministry had proposed holding a "scholarly conference" from October 6th to 8th, as part of a law to commemorate Rabbi Yosef. This event was expected to include various rabbis and media activities. The Attorney General's office suggested postponing this conference until after the elections, scheduled for October 27th, 2026, to avoid any perception of using a government event for political purposes.

The Attorney General's office also refuted claims that her position was intended to prevent the commemoration of the Rabbi, stating, "Any claim that action was taken to diminish his honor is baseless." The office reiterated that its recommendation was to hold the event after the elections, balancing the need to honor Rabbi Yosef's legacy with the imperative to maintain election fairness.