The High Court of Justice on Monday, 15 Menachem Av 5773 rejected the petition seeking to disqualify Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu’s candidacy in the Chief Rabbinate race. The petition was filed by Meretz MK Esawi Frij six days earlier, but the ruling came just 48 hours ahead of the election with is set for Wednesday, 17 Menachem Av.
The court felt that if it issued a temporary order barring R’ Eliyahu’s candidacy there would not be time for a hearing before the election. In addition, the court learned that the petitioner never approached the Rabbi Eliyahu, Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein or Minister of Religious Services Naftali Bennett to express his objections. As such, the court preferred to reject the petition at this time, informing Frij he may turn to the court again following the election.
Legal experts explain the rejection of the petition at this time in no way is a statement for or against Rabbi Eliyahu’s candidacy, but more the result of technical and logistical considerations.
Frij told the press that he accepts the court’s position and he is fine since it was the result of a technicality, not because his position was rejected. He calls on the 150 voters who will select the next chief rabbis to heed the words of warning from Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein, who stated that in his opinion, Rabbi Eliyahu is not a suitable candidate due to his past statements against Arabs.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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2 Responses
What makes the secular court who appointed ‘themselves’ the ‘high’ court to mix into religious affairs of the seleciton of Chief Rabbi of Israel? Do they also give their unasked for opinions on election of the pope or imam? Who do they think they are?
Lapid, with his great ‘understanding’ of Moshiach’s delay would be the perfect candidate for “Rav Harasha”.
#1
What is your problem?
A case was brought before a legally constituted court and they rendered a verdict. All perfectly legal by any standard.
A better question is why does Meretz care who is chief Rabbi?