The Tzohar Rabbonim organization has come out in support of Chief Rabbi of the Ethiopian Community Rabbi Shlomo Hadana, decrying the decision of the Ministry of Religious Services to compel him to retire at 67.

Rishon L’Tzion Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef Shlita has come out against the move, calling on the ministry to reverse its decision, citing the accomplishments and dedication of Rav Hadana over the years. Rav Yosef’s voice is now echoed by Tzohar, which calls on the ministry to back off from its decision. Tzohar explains the actions of the ministry “are not Jewish or moral”.

Tzohar was responding to the Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) report that Rabbi Hadana was being dismissed because he reached mandatory retirement age despite requesting to continue in his post. It is known to all that a rav of a city or community is usually accommodated when submitting such a request and there are many rabbonim serving today in their 70s including Tel Aviv Chief Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau Shlita and Kiryat Shmona Chief Rabbi Tzefanya Drori Shlita.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)