Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef Defies Court Order on Father's Memorial Event

Former Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef has sharply criticized a Supreme Court decision that prevented the memorial event for his father, Rabbi Ovadia Yosef. Yosef declared that "a thousand memorial events will be held" in response, stating that there is no need to consider the court's ruling and that the love for his father, a "giant in Torah," cannot be erased by any decision. He questioned why memorial events for Yitzhak Rabin, described as a political figure, are not prohibited.

Guy Busi, an attorney representing the Shas party, accused the Attorney General's office of actively obstructing the memorial event. He claimed a "draconian order" from the Attorney General, which he asserted violated a Knesset law, led to the cancellation and constituted deliberate, systematic harassment against the religious public and Rabbi Ovadia Yosef.

Shas chairman Aryeh Deri echoed these sentiments, expressing deep sorrow over the court's decision. He contrasted the millions who mourned Rabbi Ovadia Yosef with the perceived insensitivity of the Supreme Court justices. Deri stated that the ruling harms a vast traditional and religious public and reflects a condescending and discriminatory attitude towards their heritage. He concluded that the decision strengthens Shas's resolve to reform the justice system and affirmed that neither the court nor the Attorney General can halt Rabbi Yosef's legacy, which lives on in the hearts of millions.