Government Conference Honoring Rabbi Ovadia Yosef Officially Canceled

A government conference planned to honor the memory of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, a prominent Sephardic rabbi, has been officially canceled. The three-day event was scheduled to take place at the International Convention Center in Jerusalem from October 6th to 8th.

Yehuda Avidan, Director General of the Ministry for Religious Services, informed Justice Minister Yariv Levin, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, and Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion of the cancellation in a formal letter. Avidan cited the tight schedule, the Attorney General's directive, and ongoing High Court proceedings as reasons why the event could not proceed as planned.

The Attorney General's office had previously advised that the conference should not be held before the upcoming elections on October 27th, due to concerns about the potential misuse of public resources for political campaigning. The conference was intended to feature extensive media coverage and multimedia exhibits.

The Shas party had petitioned the High Court of Justice, arguing that the cancellation constituted selective enforcement, especially in light of other state memorial events, such as the one for Yitzhak Rabin, scheduled close to the election date. However, their legal challenge was unsuccessful.

Despite the cancellation, the Ministry for Religious Services has not ruled out the possibility of holding an alternative event at a later date. Avidan indicated that the ministry would consult with the Jerusalem Municipality if a decision is made to proceed with a replacement event. The anniversary of Rabbi Yosef's passing is October 14th, making a post-election date feasible.

Some prominent rabbis and public figures have criticized the Attorney General's decision. Rabbi Tzemach Mazo, head of a yeshiva, expressed strong disapproval, questioning the Attorney General's motives and suggesting her actions were intended to harm religious students and the Shas party.