Israeli Supreme Court Suspends Budget Freeze for Religious Services Ministry, Averting Closure of 125 Holy Sites

The Israeli Supreme Court issued an urgent ruling on Friday to exempt the Ministry of Religious Services' budget from a temporary freeze on government fund transfers. This decision followed a stark warning from the ministry's Director-General, Yehuda Avidan, who alerted the court to the imminent closure of approximately 125 holy sites across Israel if the budget freeze continued. These sites include significant locations such as the Tomb of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, the Cave of the Patriarchs, and Rachel's Tomb.

Avidan's letter emphasized the severe safety risks posed by halting funding, particularly as the ministry prepares for the busy months of Elul and Tishrei, which include major Jewish holidays. He highlighted the potential collapse of security, policing, and sanitation services at crowded religious sites, recalling the tragic Meron disaster as a warning against further calamities. The budget freeze affected about 30 million shekels, forcing the ministry toward a shutdown of critical operations and computer systems.

The Supreme Court's ruling stated that the temporary order would not apply to the ministry's entire budget, allowing essential services to continue while the broader legal dispute over funding proceeds. The legal contention arose after the Knesset Finance Committee approved the budget transfers, which the Knesset's legal bureau defended as lawful and customary. The ministry welcomed the court's decision, noting it enables ongoing logistical and security preparations ahead of the anticipated influx of worshippers during the upcoming holiday season.

Yehuda Avidan, recently appointed acting Director-General of the Chief Rabbinate as well, successfully averted the immediate threat to Israel's holy sites, ensuring their continued operation during a critical period for religious observance.