State Memorial for Rabbi Ovadia Yosef Officially Canceled

The state memorial event for Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, scheduled to take place in Jerusalem in early October, has been officially canceled. The Director General of the Ministry of Religious Services sent a formal letter to the Jerusalem Municipality stating that due to a High Court of Justice ruling and the Attorney General's position, funding for the event is not possible at this time. The event was planned for October 6-8 at the Binyanei Ha'uma convention center.

The cancellation follows weeks of legal and public controversy surrounding the timing of the state-sponsored event during an election period. Legal advisors to the government had demanded the Ministry of Religious Services cancel or postpone the event, fearing it could be construed as election campaigning. The Ministry and the Shas party argued that it was a state commemoration mandated by law.

Shas had appealed to the Central Elections Committee, but its chairman ruled he lacked the authority to intervene. Subsequently, Shas filed an urgent petition to the High Court of Justice, asserting the event was solely to commemorate Rabbi Yosef's legacy and that proposed restrictions, such as banning political speeches and party symbols, would prevent any electioneering concerns. Despite these efforts, the official letter confirms the event's preparations are halted. The Ministry of Religious Services indicated that further discussions with the Jerusalem Municipality would occur if an alternative event is decided upon later.