Rabbi Ovadia Yosef's Grandson Criticizes Cancellation of Memorial Event

Yonatan Yosef, grandson of the late Rabbi Ovadia Yosef and a reservist soldier, has strongly criticized the cancellation of a state memorial event for his grandfather. Speaking to Channel 7, Yosef expressed dismay over the Supreme Court's decision to reject an appeal by the Shas party against the Attorney General's directive to prevent the memorial event. He argued that this decision shifts authority from elected officials to the legal system, hurting the feelings of his family and those who revered the late Rabbi.

Yosef questioned the rationale behind portraying Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, a former recipient of the Israel Prize, solely as a political figure, emphasizing his significant contributions to Israel. He stated that while he might understand oversight of content or attempts at compromise, stripping the legislative branch of its power and transferring it to the Attorney General is problematic. Yosef recalled his grandfather as a unifying figure, lamenting the current attempts to use his memory for division and expressing pain that his legacy has become a contentious issue.

Drawing on his extensive reserve duty, Yosef also addressed what he perceives as unfair media coverage of the Haredi public regarding military service. He pointed out that many of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef's descendants are serving in security bodies, but these contributions are often overlooked. He called for respectful dialogue on the sensitive issue of Haredi conscription, referencing his grandfather's stance that Torah scholars should not be drafted. Yosef suggested that the Haredi community can contribute to national service in various capacities, like Magen David Adom, United Hatzalah, and fire services, with appropriate accommodations for military service, provided the approach is respectful and avoids incitement.