Israeli Ombudsman Upholds Complaint Against Chief Rabbi David Yosef Over Controversial Remarks

The Israeli Public Complaints Commissioner for Judges, retired judge Asher Kola, ruled on Thursday that a complaint against Chief Rabbi David Yosef concerning his remarks about Supreme Court justices was fully justified. The complaint was filed by the Movement for Quality Government in Israel and the Reform Center for Religion and State, focusing on two issues: Rabbi Yosef's criticism of Supreme Court judges for decisions made on the Sabbath, and his comments following a ruling that allowed women to take rabbinical certification exams.

Rabbi Yosef had harshly criticized the Supreme Court judges during his weekly lesson, using phrases such as "these insolent judges," "trampling the holy Torah," and "the Supreme Court is the enemy of Judaism." Kola determined that the issue of judicial decisions on the Sabbath is not central to the Chief Rabbi's role, and therefore these statements do not fall under the ethical protections granted to judicial officials. He found that the language used was directed personally at the judges, exceeded acceptable criticism, and did not align with the expected official discourse of a senior judicial figure. Kola also warned that such inflammatory public remarks could undermine public trust in both the judicial system and rabbinical courts.

Conversely, Kola rejected the complaint regarding Rabbi Yosef's statements about the ruling permitting women to take rabbinical exams. He ruled that the authority over rabbinical certification lies within the Chief Rabbi's core responsibilities, and criticism in this area must be respectful and focused on the issue rather than the individual. The commissioner noted his limited jurisdiction over statements made in the direct exercise of the Chief Rabbi's duties.

In response, Rabbi Yosef's bureau chief, attorney Itay Gadsai, argued that the remarks were made in Rabbi Yosef's official capacity as Chief Rabbi and halachic authority, emphasizing the need to consider the halachic context of the statements. Ultimately, while the commissioner upheld the complaint about the Sabbath-related remarks, no sanctions were imposed on Rabbi Yosef.