Shas Party Slams Justice Advisor's Decision to Postpone Rabbi Ovadia Yosef Memorial Event

The Shas party has sharply criticized the Attorney General's stance against holding a memorial event for Rabbi Ovadia Yosef during the election period. The party announced its intention to appeal the decision to the Central Elections Committee, asserting that it constitutes a "severe blow to millions of tradition-observant Jews" who wish to honor the late spiritual leader.

Shas described the Attorney General's position as "defiant" and lacking any "logical reasoning." The party further claimed the decision is a "blatant trampling of the Rabbi Ovadia Yosef Heritage Law," which they stated passed unanimously in the Knesset. "Shas will not give up and will petition the Central Elections Committee against the arbitrary decision. We will not remain silent in honor of Maran," the party declared in its official response.

The Attorney General's office advised postponing the state memorial event for Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, citing potential legal difficulties with holding it during an election campaign. In a letter to the Director General of the Ministry of Religious Services, the Deputy Attorney General noted that while the importance of commemorating Rabbi Yosef is undisputed, the timing is problematic. The office clarified that there is no general prohibition on memorial events for Rabbi Yosef, but the current state event format should be held after the elections.