State Legal Counsel Denies Disrespect to Rabbi Ovadia Yosef's Memory

The office of Israel's Attorney General, Gali Baharav-Miara, has responded to claims that the memory of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, a prominent Sephardic rabbi, was disrespected during commemoration events. In a letter from Assistant Attorney General Adv. Roi Cohen, it was stated that allegations of disrespect are unfounded. The Attorney General's office affirmed the public importance of commemorating Rabbi Yosef near his death anniversary on the 3rd of Cheshvan.

It was clarified that no directive was issued preventing official commemoration events, memorial services, state ceremonies, or events funded by non-governmental sources. However, regarding a government-funded academic conference planned with experiential content and exhibits that have garnered significant media attention, the office noted that election campaign regulations apply due to the proximity to the October 27, 2026, elections.

The Attorney General's office pointed out that since the Ministry for Religious Services itself requested to hold the conference about eight days before the anniversary, not on the day itself, it could logically be held immediately after election day. This approach would uphold the requirement for the event to be held near the anniversary while maintaining fairness in the election process.