Israel's Attorney General Recommends Post-Election State Ceremony for Rabbi Ovadia Yosef

Israel's Attorney General, Gali Baharav-Miara, has clarified her position regarding a state-sponsored memorial event for Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, stating it was a recommendation, not a directive, to postpone it until after the upcoming elections.

Baharav-Miara addressed claims that holding the event near the election date would disrespect the late rabbi, asserting these claims are baseless. She explained that while a privately funded memorial event could proceed before the elections, a government-funded ceremony should be held afterward to prevent any appearance of electioneering.

The Attorney General emphasized that the Ministry of Religious Services itself had requested to hold the event not on the anniversary of Rabbi Yosef's passing, which falls on October 14th this year, but starting October 6th. She proposed separating private and state events to uphold both the commemoration of the rabbi and the fairness of the elections.

She further noted that a government-funded "academic conference" with experiential elements, distinct from a simple memorial, could be held after the elections on October 27th, provided it remained close to the anniversary date.

The Shas party vehemently opposed the Attorney General's recommendation. Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, a prominent Shas figure, harshly criticized Baharav-Miara, calling her "crazy" and invoking divine punishment. Another rabbi associated with Shas, Tzemach Mazuz, compared her to the biblical Queen Jezebel, accusing her of plotting against religious Jews.

Shas declared its intention to appeal the decision to the Central Elections Committee, calling the Attorney General's stance "arbitrary" and a severe blow to millions who wish to honor Rabbi Yosef's memory.