Shas MK Slams Supreme Court Over Memorial Event Ruling

Member of Knesset Moshe Abutbul of the Shas party has strongly criticized the Israeli Supreme Court's decision to reject an appeal by his party regarding the cancellation of memorial events for Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, a revered spiritual leader.

The appeal was filed against the Attorney General's decision to cancel the central memorial events, known as "study days," which were scheduled to take place at the Binyanei Ha'uma convention center shortly before elections. Shas argued that these events were crucial for preserving the legacy of Rabbi Yosef.

Following the court's ruling on Wednesday, Abutbul expressed deep disappointment but stated the outcome was predictable. He accused the judges of "deliberately disrespecting the legacy of Maran (Rabbi Yosef)" and suggested they were avoiding a substantive ruling. "We know the Supreme Court," he remarked in an interview.

Abutbul dismissed the court's reasoning that the case had become theoretical after the Director-General of the Ministry of Religious Services admitted he could not guarantee the event at Binyanei Ha'uma. Abutbul countered that alternative venues, such as the Arena Hall, were proposed and that the ministry official was prevented from making a commitment at the original location. He compared the situation to other state memorial events held near election times, suggesting a double standard was being applied.

"Here they are deliberately disrespecting!" Abutbul asserted, claiming the court's decision was influenced by a desire to adhere to the Attorney General's stance and grant her authority, leading to a predetermined negative outcome for Shas.