Baba Sali Legacy Association Sues Tax Authority Over Rabbi Baruch's Debts

The Association for the Commemoration of Baba Sali, Rabbi Yisrael Abuhatzeira, has filed a lawsuit against the Israel Tax Authority and Rabbi Baruch Abuhatzeira, known as Baba Baruch, the son of Baba Sali and his successor. The association is seeking a court declaration that Baba Baruch's personal tax debts are not connected to the association or its assets. The lawsuit stems from a July 2026 action by the Tax Authority, which allegedly seized property and assets belonging to the Baba Sali compound due to Baba Baruch's purported tax arrears.

The association asserts full ownership of the seized assets and demands the immediate cancellation of all collection procedures and seizures. This legal action follows a previous tax dispute involving Baba Baruch. In August 2022, he was ordered by a court to pay millions of shekels on income of approximately 59 million shekels earned between 2003 and 2011. The Tax Authority argued this income was taxable, while Baba Baruch claimed it constituted personal gifts and that some funds were merely passed through to charities. The Tel Aviv District Court rejected his claims, ruling the income was subject to taxation.