Israel's Attorney General Rejects Election Timing for Rabbi Yosef Memorial Event

Israel's Attorney General, Gali Baharav-Miara, has clarified her position regarding the timing of a state-funded memorial event for Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, stating that while private commemorations can proceed near the upcoming elections, the official government event should be postponed until after election day on October 27th. This decision aims to prevent any perception of electioneering or the misuse of state resources for political purposes.

Baharav-Miara emphasized in a letter to the Director-General of the Ministry of Religious Services, Yehuda Avidan, that there is no impediment to holding memorial events for the late Rabbi, whose death anniversary falls on October 14th. She noted that the Ministry of Religious Services itself had previously requested to hold the event closer to the election date, and suggested separating private and state-funded activities to uphold both the commemoration of the Rabbi and the fairness of the elections.

The Attorney General specifically addressed a proposed "academic conference" intended to honor Rabbi Yosef's legacy, which includes experiential elements and is expected to garner significant media attention. She advised that this event, if state-funded, should take place after the elections, although it could be scheduled close to the anniversary date.

The Attorney General's stance has drawn sharp criticism from the Shas party, a political movement founded by Rabbi Yosef. Shas leader Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef called Baharav-Miara "crazy" and invoked divine retribution. Another prominent rabbi associated with Shas, Tzemach Mazuz, compared her to the biblical Queen Jezebel, accusing her of plotting against religious Jews.

Shas has vowed to appeal the decision to the Central Elections Committee, denouncing it as an "outrageous decision" and a "blatant trampling" of the law to commemorate Rabbi Yosef, passed unanimously by the Knesset. They argue the decision unfairly targets millions of observant Jews wishing to honor the Rabbi's memory.