Shas Party Slams Attorney General's Decision to Cancel Memorial Event with AI Video

The Shas party has sharply criticized the Attorney General's decision to prohibit state funding for a memorial event honoring Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, the late spiritual leader of the Sephardic Haredi community. In response, Shas released a pointed AI-generated video depicting the Attorney General's representative erasing a portrait of Rabbi Yosef, accompanied by the message, "You will not erase the legacy of Maran." The party accused the Attorney General of attempting to erase Rabbi Yosef's legacy and of a "blatant trampling" of the Maran Heritage Law, which passed unanimously in the Knesset.

Shas announced its intention to petition the Central Elections Committee against the decision, arguing that the event, which commemorates Rabbi Yosef's religious and halachic contributions, is not election propaganda. The party emphasized that the memorial has been held for years and that they are determined to honor Rabbi Yosef's memory, stating, "For the honor of Maran, we will not remain silent."

The Attorney General's office cited concerns about election propaganda due to the event's proximity to election day, despite the Ministry of Religious Services, which was organizing the event, taking precautions to prevent a political tone. If their petition to the Elections Committee is rejected, Shas plans to appeal to the High Court of Justice to overturn the Attorney General's directive preventing the Ministry of Religious Services from allocating the necessary budget.

Should legal avenues fail, Shas is prepared to hold a large public rally in memory of Rabbi Yosef without any government support. This move would allow the party to proceed with the event without the limitations imposed by the state and ensure that the Rabbi's legacy is commemorated on time.