MK Attacks Supreme Court Over Ruling on Rabbi Ovadia Yosef Memorial Events

Member of Knesset Moshe Abutbul has strongly criticized the Israeli Supreme Court following its decision to reject a petition by the Shas party. The petition sought to prevent the cancellation of study days held in memory of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, the late spiritual leader of the Sephardic Haredi community.

In an interview with Kikar HaShabbat, Abutbul accused the judges of deliberately disrespecting Rabbi Yosef's legacy and avoiding a substantive ruling on the matter. He stated that the outcome of the court's decision was predictable, implying a bias against the religious community's traditions.

The court's decision effectively allows the cancellation of these memorial events, which are significant for the Shas party and its supporters. Abutbul's remarks highlight a deep-seated tension between the Haredi religious establishment and the secular judiciary in Israel, particularly concerning the preservation of religious heritage and figures.