Israel Cancels Memorial Event for Rabbi Ovadia Yosef Due to Proximity to Elections

The Israeli Ministry of Religious Services has announced the cancellation of a large memorial event for Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, citing its proximity to upcoming elections. The decision follows the stance of Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, who had suggested postponing the event. Baharav-Miara expressed concerns that holding the event, scheduled for the International Convention Center in Jerusalem, could be exploited for political campaigning by the Shas party, which considers Rabbi Yosef its spiritual leader.

In its statement, the Ministry of Religious Services stated that "at this stage, it is not possible to hold the event in memory of Maran (Rabbi Yosef) due to the election system." The event was intended to honor the late Sephardic chief rabbi and spiritual leader of the ultra-Orthodox Shas party. The postponement aims to prevent the event from being perceived as a political rally or propaganda for Shas during the election period.