Former Chief Rabbi Yona Metzger is listed among the prominent rabbonim who will address the 8th Rabbinical Conference in Israel. Also listed on the agenda are Bayit Yehudi party leader Education Minister Naftali Bennet and Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked. Some of the other speakers include the Chief Rabbis of Israel and members of the Chief Rabbinate Rabbinical Council. The event was scheduled for Thursday, 28 Teves.
There has been much discussion about the inclusion of Rabbi Metzger, who was invited to speak prior to this week, when he admitted to accepting millions in bribes during his tenure as Chief Rabbi and signed a plea bargain agreement http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/news/headlines-breaking-stories/515657/rav-metzger-likely-to-accept-3-5-year-jail-term-in-plea-bargain-agreement.html that includes a 3.5-year jail term.
Officials in the office of Minister Shaked told the press that while her name appeared among the speakers, she never confirmed her attendance.
The media advisor for Rabbi Metzger announced to the press on Thursday, 28 Teves that in light of this week’s events, Rabbi Metzger will not be participating in the conference.
Tzohar Rabbis released the following statement: “The fact that a gathering addressing the honor of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel invites Rabbi Yona Metzger represents being totally misguided from the path in addition to a serious blow to Torah, morality and the tzibur”.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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3 Responses
Hmmm. He may have had a captive audience.
Rabbi Metzger is a wonderful man. I pray B.H. that he will be cleared of all the charges
When Elisha haNavi stayed with the Shunammite woman and her husband no one set him up for bribery charges!
As it would make the poor recipients embarrassed and ashamed in public, the Rabbi cannot explain how he charitably disposed of the money or intended to dispose of the money. That was tzedaka that he collected.
The Rabbi should go free, a tzaddik should not be doubted.