Rabbi Ovadia Yosef's Daughter-in-Law Speaks Out Against Cancellation of Memorial Events

Rabbi Yehudit Yosef, daughter-in-law of the late Sephardic spiritual leader Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, has broken her silence to express her deep pain and objection to the cancellation of memorial events, known as "hillula," in his honor. The decision, made by the legal counsel's office, cited the proximity of the events to an upcoming election, deeming them potentially political propaganda due to Rabbi Yosef's association with the Shas party.

Rabbi Yosef stated that she felt compelled to speak out, emphasizing that Rabbi Ovadia Yosef belonged to all segments of the Jewish people, including Sephardim, Ashkenazim, the ultra-Orthodox, and secular Israelis. She recalled witnessing his deep concern during times of war, his sleepless nights praying for fallen soldiers, and his prayers for the wounded, highlighting his lifelong dedication to the nation.

She questioned how a figure who dedicated his life to the Jewish people could be deemed unworthy of remembrance and honor. Rabbi Yosef distinguished between canceling a ceremony and erasing a legacy, asserting that while a specific event might be called off, a person's lasting impact and the millions who choose to remember and honor him cannot be dictated.

The cancellation has sparked significant controversy. Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, the Sephardic Chief Rabbi and Rabbi Ovadia Yosef's son, launched a scathing attack on the legal counsel, calling her anti-religious and predicting divine retribution for her actions.