The journalists for chareidi affairs that reported to the first meeting of the Chief Rabbinate Council on Monday, 1 Kislev 5774, they expected to be permitted to remain for the duration of the meeting, not just the customary photo op portion. They explain that newly-elected Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi David Lau promised a new Chief Rabbinate, one with total transparency, and for them this means total access to a session of the Chief Rabbinate Council.

Akiva Novik, religious affairs correspondent for Yediot Achronot posted a message to his Facebook page that Rabbi David Lau ousted him and his colleagues from the meeting.

Officials in the Chief Rabbinate explain it is clear to all that the press was invited for the photo op only and it would be highly unacceptable to hold such a meeting before members of the press. Officials in the Chief Rabbinate explained Rabbi Rafael Frank was instructed to invite the media for the start of the meeting and he thought the end. The confusion led to some misunderstandings and perhaps some bad feelings. The Chief Rabbinate apologizes to members of the press in the media statement.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)