The Jerusalem Comptroller’s report that was released this week once again links the city’s religious council to abuse of public funds, as it has found itself in the past.

The report alleges many violations, including abuse of travel abroad on the council’s tab, without justification. As in past reports, there is documentation of nepotism, which has been documented when the city’s Chief Ashkenazi Rabbi, HaGaon HaRav Aryeh Stern Shlita took office.

Rav Stern and his staff connected the dots and showed how the religious council was somewhat of an employment agency for family members of senior officials. That prompted Israel Police intervention, a probe, both by police and city officials, and some employees of the council, including in its kashrus department, opted for early retirement while others have survived the probe, including the head of the council, Yehoshua Yishai. Some faced criminal charges as well, as there was documentation showing mashgichim billed for hours they never worked. In one case, a family member of a council employee, who was serving in the IDF, was on the books as an active mashgiach while he was an active soldier, drawing a salary from the religious council. Despite all the damaging proof, Yishai, a civil service employee, remains at the helm of the religious council.

The latest report holds Yishai responsible, yet again, calling for his immediate dismissal from as head of the council, which is responsible for the city’s religious services. Councilwoman (Meretz) Laura Warton recommends that the city council refrain from passing any additional funding to the religious council in light of the alarming report.

In response to the report, MyNet quotes the religious council explaining it provides a wide array of religious services to the residents of the city. Regarding the comptroller’s report, the council will study it and take the appropriate actions.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)