Memorial Event for Rabbi Ovadia Yosef Canceled Due to Election Period

A large memorial event planned in Jerusalem for Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, the late spiritual leader of the Shas party, has been officially canceled. The cancellation follows a directive from the Attorney General, Gali Baharav-Miara, stating that such an event cannot proceed during an election period. The decision was also influenced by ongoing legal proceedings concerning the event in the High Court of Justice.

Yehuda Avidan, Director-General of the Ministry of Religious Services, informed the Jerusalem Municipality and ministry officials that due to the circumstances and the resulting time constraints, canceling the event was unavoidable. He noted the event producer's statement that the Attorney General's directive prevented the event's continuation during the election campaign.

Avidan's letter further explained that the legal proceedings in the High Court contributed to the decision. "Due to the continuation of the legal proceedings in the High Court, to my great regret and due to the lack of any other option, I hereby inform you of the cancellation of Maran's" commemoration, which was scheduled to take place between October 6-8 at the Binyanei Ha'uma convention center in Jerusalem.

Despite the cancellation, the Ministry of Religious Services indicated that alternative initiatives to commemorate Rabbi Ovadia Yosef are still being considered. Avidan stated that if a decision is made to hold an alternative event, coordination with the Jerusalem Municipality will take place.