Public Complaints Commissioner Finds Rabbi David Yosef's Remarks Against Supreme Court Justified but Imposes No Sanction

On Thursday, retired judge Asher Kola, the Public Complaints Commissioner for Judges, ruled that a complaint against Rabbi David Yosef, the Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Israel, was justified regarding his critical remarks about Supreme Court justices who held hearings on the Sabbath. Kola noted that the issue of Sabbath hearings does not fall within the core responsibilities of the Chief Rabbi, and thus Rabbi Yosef's statements are not protected by the special immunities granted to his position.

The commissioner criticized Rabbi Yosef's language, including phrases such as "those insolent judges," "trampling on the holy Torah," and "the Supreme Court is the enemy of Judaism," stating these comments exceeded legitimate criticism, conflicted with the expected official discourse, and could undermine public trust. However, Kola dismissed a separate complaint concerning Rabbi Yosef's remarks opposing a Supreme Court ruling that required the rabbinical authorities to allow women to take rabbinical exams, as this issue falls within the Chief Rabbi's core duties.

Despite finding some of Rabbi Yosef's comments inappropriate, the commissioner chose not to impose any sanctions against him. This decision highlights the delicate balance between freedom of expression and maintaining respect for judicial institutions in Israel.