Israel's Chief Rabbi's Trip Abroad Canceled Over Election Day Absence
Translated & summarized from Kipa by baba
Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi Kalman Meir Bar's planned trip to South America was shortened after Minister of Religious Services Yariv Levin refused to approve an extension that would have kept him out of Israel on Election Day for the 26th Knesset. The Rabbi's representatives confirmed the trip would proceed but be cut short to allow him to vote. Meanwhile, Sephardic Chief Rabbi David Yosef declared voting a "holy obligation."
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Chief Rabbi Kalman Meir Bar's trip was shortened to ensure his presence for the 26th Knesset elections.
- Minister Yariv Levin refused to approve Rabbi Bar's extended absence on Election Day.
- The decision to shorten the trip was made after a dispute between the Rabbi and the Minister.
- Sephardic Chief Rabbi David Yosef called voting a "holy obligation."
- The trip was funded by host Jewish communities in South America.
A dispute arose between Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi Kalman Meir Bar and Minister of Religious Services Yariv Levin concerning Rabbi Bar's planned trip to South America. Rabbi Bar had intended to extend his visit to Jewish communities in Brazil to include Argentina, which would have kept him abroad on Election Day for the 26th Knesset. Minister Levin opposed this plan and refused to grant the necessary approval for the trip, which is funded by the host Jewish communities.
Levin stated he would not approve the extension if it meant the Chief Rabbi would be absent from Israel on election day. The disagreement intensified, leading to a decision to cancel the planned visit to Argentina and expedite Rabbi Bar's return to Israel. The requirement for the Minister of Religious Services' approval for externally funded trips by Chief Rabbis was established in 2010 following revelations of improper funding during the tenure of former Chief Rabbi Yona Metzger.
Representatives for the Chief Rabbi stated the trip was important for strengthening ties with South American Jewish communities, including participation in a Mizrachi movement congress and meetings with local leaders. They emphasized that the events were planned months in advance and could not be postponed. The decision was made to proceed with the trip but shorten its final part so the Rabbi could vote in the upcoming elections.
Separately, Sephardic Chief Rabbi David Yosef issued a strong ruling stating it is a "holy obligation" for everyone to vote in elections and forbidden to abstain. He requested that this message be disseminated.
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