Shas Lawyer Slams Supreme Court Over Banned Memorial Event

The Israeli Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected a petition by the Shas movement seeking to hold memorial events for Rabbi Ovadia Yosef in the Binyanei Ha'uma convention center ahead of elections. The court ruled the petition moot, as the events had already passed.

Following the hearing, Shas's attorney, Guy Busi, expressed strong disappointment in an interview with Kikar HaShabbat, criticizing the court for avoiding a substantive discussion on the "Mar'an Law" and the Attorney General's powers. Busi argued that Shas had a duty to fight for Rabbi Yosef's legacy, which he claimed was being trampled.

Busi also accused the Attorney General of exerting undue legal pressure on government officials. He specifically pointed to the Attorney General's actions towards the Director General of the Ministry for Religious Services, suggesting the official was intimidated into canceling the event. "He could have said he would hold the conference at all costs, but he decided differently," Busi stated.

Addressing the court's reasoning that the petition was theoretical, Busi countered that the Supreme Court is not bound by such limitations when it chooses to act, citing its openness to hearing cases concerning Hamas terrorists. "If the judges wanted to, this conference would have taken place!" he asserted.

Busi concluded by conveying his client's deep frustration, noting that the judges focused solely on technicalities and did not allow for a deeper discussion of the core issues. He expressed hope for the future appointment of Haredi and Sephardic judges to the Supreme Court.