Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef Publicly Supports Shas MK Michael Malchieli Amid Protests

Following hostile shouts from extremists after a weekly lesson in Jerusalem, Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, the Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Israel, sent a personally inscribed copy of his book 'Yalkut Yosef' to Shas MK Michael Malchieli, who serves as Minister of Religious Services. The incident occurred Saturday night at the Hizdamim synagogue during the Selichot prayers, where Malchieli faced verbal abuse linked to the controversy over the military draft law and the status of yeshiva students.

To demonstrate his support, Rabbi Yosef invited Malchieli to ride with him in his car, signaling personal backing for the MK's actions. The dedication in the book praised Malchieli as a wise and respected Torah scholar and encouraged him with the words "Be strong and courageous, do not fear or be dismayed." Rabbi Yosef appointed his son-in-law, Rabbi Baruch Deri, to deliver the book to Malchieli.

Shas responded to the incident by condemning the extremist group responsible, labeling them as fringe anarchists collaborating with left-wing organizations to harm the right-wing and traditionalist bloc. The party emphasized that no thug would intimidate its members of Knesset or divert Shas from its path of unity, Torah, and love for Israel.