The dispute surrounding the will of Maran HaGaon HaRav Ovadia Yosef ZT”L is ongoing as Maran’s children and their families seem deadlocked in resolving their differences. The dispute has brought the family to the Jerusalem Family Court where family members are demanding their share despite the will which leaves the bulk of Maran’s possessions to one son, Rabbi Moshe Yosef.

According to Haaretz, the Yosef family, including sons and daughters, stood before the Vice President of the Family Court Justice Menachem HaKohen, who has been acting as a mediator between the sides.

The story began when Malka Shoshan, a daughter of Maran turned to the court to adjudicate the will. In light of Mrs. Shoshan’s actions, her brothers added their name to the case but added they wish to have the case adjudicated in a beis din.

The court appointed Justice HaKohen to mediate between family members and some of the family members agreed. The report states that one son, Rabbi Avraham Yosef, who serves as Chief Rabbi of Holon, opposed the request of his brothers and seems to support the will which leaves most of Maran’s assets to Rav Moshe Yosef. Kikar Shabbos adds that Rishon L’Tzion HaGaon HaRav Yitzchak Yosef has decided not to involve himself in the machlokes. He reportedly told siblings that whatever they decide is acceptable to him.

Attorney Boaz Krauss, representing Rabbi Moshe Yosef, responded to the Haaretz report. He stated “Rav Moshe Yosef is pained by the assault to his name and that of his father Maran Rav Ovadia ZT”L and the attempt to compromise his memory for monetary gain. Maran left clear unambiguous instructions in his own handwriting regarding his belongings 18 years ago to his son Rabbi Moshe Yosef.

“It was also made unequivocally clear in his own handwriting that all monetary transactions made by his son Rabbi Moshe Yosef over the years were made according to his will in line with clear instructions. One can only regret that some of Maran’s sons choose to disregard their father’s will. And if this were not enough, some have refused to have the matter clarified in a halachic matter by a din torah, a venue that respects the path of their great father, and in accordance to his piskei halacha”.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)